Two personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles were killed after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Monday, sparking a prolonged gunfight and prompting security forces to launch 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 during the attack and later died despite receiving immediate medical treatment, officials said.
According to security officials, the ambush occurred near Nungshang Kong village, close to Shangshak, while a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles was travelling from its camp to a nearby police station.
Initial investigations indicate that suspected militants had planted three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on both sides of a bridge along the convoy's route.
As the convoy crossed the bridge, two of the IEDs exploded, after which the attackers opened heavy fire from multiple directions in what officials described as a well-coordinated assault.
Assam Rifles personnel immediately retaliated, leading to an intense exchange of fire that continued for nearly an hour. During the subsequent search and sanitisation operation, security forces recovered one unexploded IED from the scene, officials said.
The injured personnel were initially treated at the Assam Rifles camp in Shangshak before being evacuated for advanced medical care. However, both later succumbed to their injuries.
Security forces have since launched an extensive combing operation in and around the area to trace those responsible for the attack. Officials said the situation remains tense and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have not yet identified the militant group involved in the ambush.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned the attack in a statement issued through Lok Bhavan, stating that such acts of violence have no place in society and cannot weaken the government's collective commitment to maintaining peace and security.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam also condemned the incident, saying such attacks undermine ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the violence-affected state. He expressed confidence that security forces would identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The deaths of the two Assam Rifles personnel come weeks after tensions flared in Ukhrul district over the proposed establishment of a new Assam Rifles outpost. During a confrontation between protesters and security personnel on Sunday, at least four civilians were injured.
Local residents had alleged that around 40 Assam Rifles personnel stationed at Lambui village attempted to establish an outpost at New Heaven without consulting local authorities. In response, villagers, including women and student groups, staged protests demanding that the construction work be halted.
Officials said that during efforts to disperse the crowd, Assam Rifles personnel resorted to a lathi charge and also fired several rounds, resulting in injuries to at least four civilians.
Security forces have continued search and area domination operations across vulnerable parts of Manipur since ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities broke out in May 2023.
The violence has claimed more than 260 lives, displaced thousands of people and continues to pose one of the state's most significant security challenges despite sustained efforts to restore peace.
