Operations continue in Manipur after ambush that killed 2 Assam Rifles personnel

Security forces continue their operations in Manipur's Ukhrul district following a deadly ambush that claimed the lives of two Assam Rifles personnel on Monday. The attack, carried out by unknown armed militants in the Nungshangkhong area, has led to heightened security measures, though no arrests have been made as of Tuesday.

Officials confirmed that the militants employed a sophisticated tactic, planting three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on either side of a bridge along the convoy's route. The convoy, returning to the 40 Assam Rifles Shangshak battalion after collecting rations, was targeted around 1:30 p.m. Two IEDs detonated as the convoy passed, followed by intense gunfire from multiple directions, indicating a "coordinated attack," according to officials.

The deceased have been identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh. Their bodies were transferred to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science (JNIMS) in Imphal late Monday night and underwent postmortem examinations on Tuesday. A wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at Imphal International Airport, with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla expected to attend.

No banned underground group has yet claimed responsibility for the ambush. In response to the violence, Ram Muivah, an NPF legislator from Ukhrul, issued a condolence statement urging all parties not to jeopardize the 1997 Ceasefire Agreement or the 2015 Framework Agreement. He appealed for a focus on peace and development. The article notes the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur, which began between the Meitei and Kuki communities and have since involved numerous communities, resulting in significant casualties and displacement since May 2023.

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I sincerely appeal to all concerned not to jeopardise the historic Ceasefire Agreement of 1997, achieved after more than half a century of struggle or undermine the Framework Agreement, signed in 2015, which is legacy of out beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Naga people to move on and focus towards peace and development.