According to a release from the HQs IGAR(S), these five youths originally seeking training as village volunteers in the Kakching Relief Camp, were deceived and handed over to KYKL cadres near the Indo-Myanmar border.

However, they were made to live in deplorable conditions and were made to perform menial tasks at the insurgent camps, the IGAR(S) said, adding that the adverse living conditions coupled with the looming threat of being trained across the border compelled their decision to escape the camp on 15 November 2023.

The parents of the youth approached the Assam Rifles at Thoubal and requested for help in rescuing their children. The contact numbers and details of the youth were provided to Assam Rifles Battalion at Tengnoupal and the likely location of the youths was ascertained and the search parties were launched. Then, a rescue operation was undertaken in the night and after an extended search, the five youths were found and safely brought to COB Shaibol, the IGAR(S) said.

The Assam Rifles displayed an undeterred and unwavering commitment towards aiding the misguided youths back to the mainstream despite a failed attempt of ambush in the same area, the IGAR(S) said.

The successful surrender of the five KYKL cadres underscores the dedication of Assam Rifles to maintain peace and security in the region, the IGAR(S) said, adding that the surrendered cadres were handed over to Manipur Police in presence of their parents at Pallel.