2 Assam Rifles soldiers killed in ambush by militants in Manipur's Ukhrul
Manipur attack: Preliminary reports suggest that suspected militants had planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on either side of a bridge along the route. As the vehicles crossed the stretch, two IEDs went off, followed by heavy firing from multiple directions..
Two personnel of the Assam Rifles were killed after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday, triggering a prolonged exchange of fire and a large-scale search operation in the area.
The deceased were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh, who was reportedly driving one of the convoy vehicles. Both sustained critical injuries in the attack and later succumbed despite being given immediate medical attention, officials said.
According to security officials, the ambush took place near Nungshang Kong village, close to Shangshak, when a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles was moving from its camp towards a police station.
Preliminary reports suggest that suspected militants had planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on either side of a bridge along the route.
As the vehicles crossed the stretch, two IEDs went off, followed by heavy firing from multiple directions in what officials described as a coordinated attack.
SECURITY FORCES LAUNCH OPERATIONS
Assam Rifles personnel returned fire immediately, triggering an intense gun battle that lasted for nearly an hour. During the subsequent sanitisation and search operation, security forces recovered one unexploded IED from the site, officials said.
The injured personnel were first given emergency treatment at the Assam Rifles camp in Shangshak before being evacuated for advanced medical care. However, both later succumbed to their injuries.
Security forces have launched an extensive combing operation in and around the area to track down those responsible. Officials said the situation remains tense and investigations are underway.
Authorities have not yet identified the militant group behind the attack.
GOVENROR, HOME MINISTER CONDEMN ATTACK
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.
TENSIONS IN UKHRUL OVER OUTPOST
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.
VIOLENCE IN MANIPUR SINCE 2023
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.
Two personnel of the Assam Rifles were killed after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday, triggering a prolonged exchange of fire and a large-scale search operation in the area.
The deceased were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh, who was reportedly driving one of the convoy vehicles. Both sustained critical injuries in the attack and later succumbed despite being given immediate medical attention, officials said.
According to security officials, the ambush took place near Nungshang Kong village, close to Shangshak, when a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles was moving from its camp towards a police station.
Preliminary reports suggest that suspected militants had planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on either side of a bridge along the route.
As the vehicles crossed the stretch, two IEDs went off, followed by heavy firing from multiple directions in what officials described as a coordinated attack.
SECURITY FORCES LAUNCH OPERATIONS
Assam Rifles personnel returned fire immediately, triggering an intense gun battle that lasted for nearly an hour. During the subsequent sanitisation and search operation, security forces recovered one unexploded IED from the site, officials said.
The injured personnel were first given emergency treatment at the Assam Rifles camp in Shangshak before being evacuated for advanced medical care. However, both later succumbed to their injuries.
Security forces have launched an extensive combing operation in and around the area to track down those responsible. Officials said the situation remains tense and investigations are underway.
Authorities have not yet identified the militant group behind the attack.
GOVENROR, HOME MINISTER CONDEMN ATTACK
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.
TENSIONS IN UKHRUL OVER OUTPOST
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.
VIOLENCE IN MANIPUR SINCE 2023
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.
