Guwahati: A defence spokesperson Saturday said farmers harvesting crops at Irengbam in Bishnupur district of Manipur encountered an unprovoked assault from suspected armed miscreants, who started a gunfire from Aigejang during the afternoon hours.
"The intermittent firing jeopardised the lives of the farmers and appeared intended to disrupt the harvesting activity. Troops of Assam Rifles positioned at Irengbam swiftly responded and returned fire, compelling the attackers to retreat," the spokesperson said.
Exhibiting remarkable perseverance, he said the troops pursued the fleeing miscreants and uncovered a camp presumably utilised to orchestrate such attacks during the chase. "The camp was hastily deserted upon the arrival of Assam Rifles personnel. Substantial administrative supplies, rations and bunkers were found at the site, which were subsequently demolished in the presence of Kangpokpi police," the spokesperson said, adding that Assam Rifles averted potential casualties and its prompt response restored reassurance and calm to an otherwise volatile situation.