Two Assam Rifles personnel killed in Manipur ambush

Guwahati: Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and several others injured in an ambush by suspected militants in Manipur's Ukhrul district at around 1:50 pm on Monday. The incident occurred at Nungshang Kong on NH 202.

The deceased have been identified as warrant officer Balwant Singh and rifleman CM Singh. They reportedly died on the spot after sustaining bullet injuries. A senior police officer said: "After the initial attack, heavy gunfire continued for several hours."

Additional security personnel have been deployed in the area. An exchange of fire broke out between the central forces and armed militants in a nearby locality, a senior officer said. Locals claimed several farmers, who were working in nearby paddy fields at the time of the firing, were detained by security forces.


In a statement, Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the killing and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. "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 and asserted that such an incident disrupts peace and harmony in the strife-torn Manipur. In a post on X, he said, "I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate ambush on the convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles at Nungshang Kong in Ukhrul."

(With agency inputs)