The Manipur government will launch a security operation under a new strategy in the wake of the recent ambush that killed two Assam Rifles personnel, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Kunthugam said on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Bishnupur District I Olympics at the DSA grounds.
He said: “The recent attack on security forces is very unfortunate. These individuals were deployed to protect us and ensure our safety, but they were ambushed and killed. It is a very tragic incident. Our teams are searching for the perpetrators, and we are doing our best to identify and arrest those responsible.”
The minister said that no group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, while the National Socialist Council of Nagaland has denied any involvement. “Despite this, we will continue our investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.
Govindas said he held a meeting with the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other senior security officials in the wake of the ambush, where it was decided to adopt a new operational strategy to strengthen counter-insurgency efforts.
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“We are confident that this new approach will achieve results, although it will take some time,” he said.
He also informed that the deployment of CoBRA commandos has already begun in several areas of the state. However, he noted that adequate accommodation and logistical infrastructure must be established before large-scale operations can begin.
“These arrangements may take two to three months. Once implemented, operations will be carried out more effectively,” he added, adding that the government’s goal is to restore peace and end the prevailing tension in the state as soon as possible.
“These are the inter-district Olympics being held in our state. We will organize more such events and seek cooperation of all departments. We believe that if people come together through sports, peace and normalcy will definitely return to Manipur. It is with this vision that we have launched this initiative,” he said.
Two Assam Rifles personnel – Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh (driver of 40 Assam Rifles Shangshak Battalion) – were killed on Monday around 1.30 pm at Nongchangohung village, which falls under Ukrul police station limits and is about 16 km from the district town.
Officials confirmed that the militants planted three explosive devices on both sides of the bridge on the convoy route returning to 40 Assam Rifles, Changshak, after collecting ration materials from the Ukrul district headquarters. 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.”
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.
