Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jul 7: Central and state security forces on Tuesday continued large-scale search operations across Manipur's Ukhrul district for the second consecutive day to track down the militants responsible for the deadly ambush that claimed the lives of two Assam Rifles personnel.
According to a senior police official, coordinated operations are in progress to locate and neutralise those behind Monday's attack, in which Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh were killed.
The soldiers lost their lives after suspected Naga militants ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle at Nungshang Kong along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) in Ukhrul district.
The attack came just days after security forces demolished two major militant bunkers at Thoyee village (Mahadev Top) and Jalenbung village under the Litan police station area as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the district.
Meanwhile, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) denied any role in the ambush, maintaining that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement with the Centre and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace negotiations.
In an official statement, the organisation said it had neither participated in nor possessed any prior knowledge of the attack. It reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire ground rules and stressed that it would not undertake any action capable of disrupting the peace dialogue.
The outfit further reiterated that achieving a peaceful and honourable political settlement remains its primary objective and condemned activities that could undermine the ongoing negotiations. It urged all stakeholders to act responsibly to prevent incidents that could create mistrust and destabilise the peace process.
Separately, security personnel recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and four locally fabricated mortar shells during a search and area domination exercise at Chiru village in Kangpokpi district.
Police also arrested four members of different militant organisations from Imphal East and Kakching districts. Arms and ammunition were seized during the operations.
In another operation in Churachandpur district, security forces apprehended two juvenile cadres allegedly associated with the Kuki National Front (KNF) from the Geljang area. Officials recovered 77 rounds of 5.56 mm live ammunition from their possession.
Authorities said security forces have maintained sustained counter-insurgency operations across the state, with regular search missions and area domination exercises being carried out in sensitive, fringe and mixed-population areas to curb militant activities and maintain law and order.
To tighten security, officials have established 113 checkpoints and vehicle inspection points across Manipur's valley and hill districts. These measures are intended to monitor the movement of suspected insurgents, prevent the transportation of illegal weapons and explosives, and enhance public safety.
Security escorts also continue to be provided for trucks and other vehicles carrying essential commodities along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Convoy protection remains in place on vulnerable stretches of the highway to ensure the uninterrupted movement of supplies and maintain connectivity across the state.