Attack on Assam Rifles Convoy in Ukhrul
Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and several others injured in an ambush by suspected militants in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Monday, police said. The incident occurred around 1:30 pm in the Nungshang Khong area of the hill district when suspected militants fired at a convoy of the paramilitary force, a senior officer reported.
The deceased include a warrant officer and a driver, both of whom died on the spot. The convoy was returning to the 40th Assam Rifles battalion headquarters at Sangshak when it was ambushed about 17 km from the district headquarters, within Ukhrul Police Station limits.
Security Response and Casualties
Following the attack, additional security personnel were deployed to the area. An exchange of fire broke out between central forces and armed militants in a nearby locality. The incident site has been cordoned off, and a forensic team from Imphal has been dispatched to conduct an inspection. Locals reported that several farmers working in nearby paddy fields at the time of the firing were detained by security forces for interrogation.
Official Condemnation
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the killing of the two Assam Rifles personnel and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. He asserted that the government would not tolerate such brutal violence and would not remain a mute spectator. “Culprits responsible for the murder will be arrested and punished as per the law of the land,” he added.
State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam also condemned the attack, stating in a post on X: “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate ambush on the convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles at Nungshang Kong in Ukhrul.” He expressed confidence that security forces would take all necessary measures to ensure those responsible are dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Background of Ethnic Violence
Security forces have been conducting search operations and area domination in fringe and vulnerable localities across Manipur since ethnic violence broke out three years ago. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic strife between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
