BSF troops reach Henglep after pushing back UGs

Imphal, February 15: The BSF DIG, PK Mishra, said the BSF troops have at 11.50 am today reached Henglep sub-divisional headquarters after pushing away the entrenched militants there and completed its area domination exercise, in preparation of the second phase of the elections to the 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly on February 21. Speaking to IFP on the phone, Mishra said immediately after the takeover, he himself landed by helicopter at Henglep town to oversee matters at 11.55 am. It is learnt, there were camera crew with him on the trip, including that of the Zee TV. Mishra said that troops had to resort shelling with 81-mortar AGL, and two inch mortars, as well as heavy firing from MMG to repel the militants from their position so as to advance to Henglep. Mishra said the militants returned the shelling for some time, but finally retreated to the next hill range. He however said the BSF troops avoided the unusual route and took a detour to reach Henglep, as IED booby traps are believed to be laid along the road to Henglep. Clearance work of any IED traps will begin tomorrow, he said. He said there were no casualties on the side of the BSF and casualties on the other side, if any, are still to be confirmed. The Zee TV crew who were with Misra said while in the helicopter, the BSF intercepted wireless messages of the militants ordering the use of anti-aircraft guns to bring down the helicopter.