Two Assam Rifles personnel were martyred, and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur on Monday, police said.
The attack took place at around 1.30 pm in the Nungshang Khong area of Ukhrul district, when militants opened fire on a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles, a senior police officer said.
Reinforcements were rushed to the area, and a search operation was launched to trace the attackers.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla issued a statement via the Lok Bhavan, condemning the attack. He said that such attacks had no place in society, adding that they cannot weaken the government's "collective resolve to uphold peace and security."
Condemning the ambush, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said such attacks undermine ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state.
He also expressed confidence that the security forces would take all necessary measures to bring those responsible to justice and ensure they are dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
The deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel come weeks after at least four civilians were injured during a confrontation between protesters and security personnel in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Sunday, over the proposed establishment of a new Assam Rifles outpost in the area.
Villagers had alleged that around 40 Assam Rifles personnel stationed at Lambui village attempted to set up an outpost at New Heaven without prior consultation with local authorities. In response, residents, including women and student groups, staged protests demanding that construction work be stopped.
Officials said that during the crowd-control operation, Assam Rifles personnel resorted to lathi charge and also fired several rounds, leaving at least four civilians injured.
Security forces have continued search-and-domination operations across vulnerable areas of Manipur since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023.
The conflict has claimed more than 260 lives, displaced thousands of people, and remains one of the state's most serious security challenges despite sustained efforts to restore peace.
Source: India Today
