Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed on Monday in an ambush by unidentified militants in Ukhrul district of Manipur, officials said.
Prime Minister Yomnam Kemchand also condemned the act. “The government will not tolerate such brutal violence and will not remain a silent spectator to these atrocities. The perpetrators responsible for the murder will be arrested and punished in accordance with the law of the land,” he added, expressing his condolences to the bereaved families.
The officers said the two deceased were Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh, who was a driver of 40 Assam Rifles Shangshak Battalion and both were residents of Uttarakhand. They were initially given first aid at the Assam Rifles camp in Changshak before being shifted for advanced medical treatment. Officials later confirmed that both died from their injuries.
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According to officials, the incident occurred around 1.30 pm in Nongchangohong village located within the limits of Okrul Police Station, about 16 km from the district town.
Initial investigations indicated that the suspected militants planted three explosive devices on both sides of the bridge on the convoy’s route. While the convoy was crossing the area, two explosive devices exploded, followed by heavy gunfire from several directions. Officials described it as a “coordinated attack.”
The Assam Rifles personnel responded, leading to an intense exchange of fire that lasted for nearly an hour. During the subsequent clearance and inspection operation, security forces found an unexploded explosive device at the site.
In a separate statement issued on the same day, Manipur Police said operations were underway to neutralize the militants.
However, it has not yet been confirmed which armed groups were responsible for and involved in the ambush.
Ethnic clashes in Manipur first began between the Meitei and Kuki communities before encompassing almost all communities. The state’s Meite and Kuki Zou communities have isolated each other from areas they dominate since ethnic clashes began in May 2023 and left at least 260 people dead and 60,000 displaced.
