Securing the International Frontier

Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera conducted a high-level security review in Manipur, visiting critical posts in Moreh and Chongjang within the Tengnoupal district. The visit aimed to evaluate operational preparedness and monitor the ongoing progress of physical fencing along the porous India-Myanmar international boundary.

During his inspection of key border outposts, Lieutenant General Lakhera emphasized the critical need for enhanced surveillance, robust operational readiness, and coordinated border management. Manipur shares a 398-kilometer international boundary with Myanmar, traversing the districts of Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong, and Ukhrul. With large stretches remaining unfenced, border management continues to be a primary security priority for both state and central authorities.

Strategic Push for Border Infrastructure

The acceleration of the border fencing project has been a focal point for both civil and military leadership. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently convened a high-level review meeting at Lok Bhavan, urging executing agencies to expedite the infrastructure work. Additionally, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had earlier raised cross-border challenges—including illicit drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking—at a NITI Aayog plenary in New Delhi.

According to official updates, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has successfully completed fencing along a 50-kilometer stretch of the border, with active construction currently underway across an additional 80 kilometers.

Comprehensive Troop Readiness and Regional Coordination

As part of his extensive tour, the Assam Rifles chief also evaluated troop preparedness at the Kakching Garrison. He was accompanied by Major General Gaurav Sharma, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South). Beyond military reviews, Lieutenant General Lakhera interacted with trainees at the Dakshata Dhama Hospitality Skill Centre, encouraging local youth to engage with skill development initiatives tied to employment pathways.

Earlier in the week, Lieutenant General Lakhera held consultations with Governor Bhalla in Imphal to discuss the prevailing security landscape, strategic operational plans, and inter-agency coordination. He also inspected forward deployments at the Somsai Garrison and Tusom Company Operating Base in Ukhrul district, alongside the Chassad Garrison in Kamjong.

Complementing these evaluations, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General G.P. Singh held a separate operational review with the Assam Rifles chief in Imphal to synchronize security protocols and address region-specific challenges.