Daijiworld Media Network – Imphal
Imphal, Jul 7: Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed a security convoy in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Monday afternoon, police said.
According to officials, the attack took place at around 1.30 pm in the Nungshang Khong area when militants opened fire on a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles. The sudden assault resulted in casualties among the security personnel travelling in the convoy.
Security forces immediately launched a search operation in the surrounding areas, while additional teams were deployed to carry out area domination exercises in vulnerable and fringe locations to track down the attackers.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of the two personnel.
"The Governor of Manipur is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two brave Assam Rifles personnel in an ambush in Ukhrul today. The Governor strongly condemns this dastardly act of violence. Such attacks have no place in our society and cannot weaken our collective resolve to uphold peace and security," a statement issued through the official X handle of Manipur Raj Bhavan said.
The Governor also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam also strongly condemned the ambush, describing it as a tragic incident that had disrupted peace and harmony in the state. He expressed confidence that security agencies would take strict action against those responsible in accordance with the law.
Manipur has remained affected by ethnic violence since May 2023, following clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The unrest, triggered after a High Court order examining the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of people.
Security operations have continued across sensitive areas of the state in an effort to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.