`Operation Samtal` enters last lap; `UGs pushed back into Myanmar jungles, residents returning`

Briefing mediapersons who traveled to New Samtal, Brig Raymond Noronha, commander 26 sector, IGAR (south) said that the whole area of the Samtal salient has been cleared of UNLF`s presence and they have been pushed back into the jungles of Myanmar. The operation to clear and secure New Samtal was carried out by 10 JAKLI under the command of Col Debashis Das. At present the battalion is being commanded by AA Bapat as officiating CO.

Almost simultaneously on Jan 10 troops of HQ IGAR (South) and HQ 3 Corps took control of Laljang and destroyed the UNLF camps including field fortification and barracks. About 30 IEDs was cleared during this operation. The surrounding area, Brig Noronha informed the media team, is not fully safe and secure as it has not been fully cleared of IEDs.

This phase of Operation Samtal code named OP SAMTAL�II was launched on Nov 18, 2007. During the whole operation executed by 26 Sector, IGAR culminating in the control of New Samtal, troops of AR and army cleared a balance of 700 sq km covering 19 villages in the region. Brig Noronha maintained that his troops did not suffer any casualty in the course of this operation as a result of engagement with UG cadres, although some troops did sustain injuries while clearing IEDs.

On the other hand, a hand out of HQ IGAR (south) claimed to have killed 14 UGs and inflicted injuries to many more. It also claimed to have busted five UG camps and recovered "a large quantum of warlike stores and rations" from these camps. Till date, 198 IEDs have been recovered and destroyed from the region.

In the course of the operation troops also cleared the road from Joupi to New Samtal which has not been used for quite some time. The media team on their journey through the same stretch could discern tell tale marks of bamboo overgrowth on to the very edge of the road.

When asked if there was any plan to establish a permanent post at New Samtal, Brig Noronha replied that it is a bit early in the day to say. At the same time, he said that troops will continue with the operation and ensure that "civil authorities are fully functional". He informed that he is in touch with the DC and SP Chandel district and they are likely to visit the area in a day or two.

While going around the New Samtal village, the media team found many houses locked. Many villagers, according to the village chairman Chungkhyom Haokip, ran away to Moreh from the day Operation Samtal-II started on Nov 18, 2007 fearing confrontation between the UG cadres and security forces and many are still to come back.

New Samtal is a well laid out, comparatively prosperous looking village of 200 odd houses. It was once a business center but no longer so. The villagers now mostly depend on agriculture and forest produce for livelihood. The state government had ceased to exist for the villagers for almost a decade following the coming of UNLF cadres in the region. For provisions and medical needs they turn to Myanmar. With troops making their presence felt in the area and with state machineries likely to be activated, their eyes are turned on the state government. As village chairman Chungkhyom Haokip says, "We hear so much developmental work being taken up in the state like the sewerage project, we would like the state government to turn its attention to our village also".

The media team also had brief stopover at Old Samtal where the 44 AR which entered the village on Dec 1, 2007 has established its battalion headquarters. The inhabitants of this 32 odd houses village with a population of 200 people also ran off to first New Samtal then eventually to Joumun in Myanmar fearing confrontation between the security forces and UG cadres. All the villagers, according to the village chief, Janthang Haokip are now back in the village.

One Manglun Haokip, 45, of S Bongjoi village who was injured in an IED explosion while working in his field was evacuated first in the escort vehicle of the media team convoy then eventually in an ambulance of AR to RIMS. On route at Joupi and Tengnongpal, his condition was monitored and medical care given by doctors of 26 Sector. Brig Raymond Noronha also gave Rs 5000 to the niece of the injured as immediate relief.