Two Assam Rifles personnel killed in Manipur militant ambush, CM says acts of terror ‘won’t be tolerated’

This is the fourth fatal ambush in Manipur this year, with the death toll from such ambushes now reaching eight.

Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed in an ambush by suspected militants in Manipur’s Ukhrul — the fourth fatal ambush so far this year in the conflict-hit state.

The personnel were part of a convoy of the 40th Assam Rifles that came under attack on National Highway-202 near Nounshong Kong village in Ukhrul district by suspected militants, police said. The two deceased personnel have been identified by the Assam Rifles as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh.

According to police sources, the incident took place at around 1.30 pm near Nounshong Kong, about 16 km east of Ukhrul Police Station. They also said the assailants first used explosives, followed by heavy firing.

“Security forces rushed to the site of the attack and there was an exchange of fire. Further operations are underway to neutralize the militants,” the Manipur Police said in a statement.

Condemning the incident, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said: “My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated. The Government of Manipur is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and remains steadfast in upholding peace, security, and the rule of law.”

The Tangkhul Naga-majority district of Ukhrul has seen tensions since February this year, when tensions between local Kuki and Tangkhul communities began simmering in the Litan area. However, Monday’s incident took place in an area closer to the district headquarters. As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

This is the fourth fatal ambush in Manipur this year, with the death toll from such ambushes now reaching eight. In April this year, two Tangkhul civilians were killed in an ambush in Ukhrul district. Three Kuki-Zo church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district in May, and later that month, a truck driver from West Bengal was killed in an ambush on a security-escorted convoy of trucks in Ukhrul district.

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More

Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed in an ambush by suspected militants in Manipur’s Ukhrul — the fourth fatal ambush so far this year in the conflict-hit state.

The personnel were part of a convoy of the 40th Assam Rifles that came under attack on National Highway-202 near Nounshong Kong village in Ukhrul district by suspected militants, police said. The two deceased personnel have been identified by the Assam Rifles as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh.

According to police sources, the incident took place at around 1.30 pm near Nounshong Kong, about 16 km east of Ukhrul Police Station. They also said the assailants first used explosives, followed by heavy firing.

“Security forces rushed to the site of the attack and there was an exchange of fire. Further operations are underway to neutralize the militants,” the Manipur Police said in a statement.

Condemning the incident, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said: “My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated. The Government of Manipur is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and remains steadfast in upholding peace, security, and the rule of law.”

The Tangkhul Naga-majority district of Ukhrul has seen tensions since February this year, when tensions between local Kuki and Tangkhul communities began simmering in the Litan area. However, Monday’s incident took place in an area closer to the district headquarters. As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

This is the fourth fatal ambush in Manipur this year, with the death toll from such ambushes now reaching eight. In April this year, two Tangkhul civilians were killed in an ambush in Ukhrul district. Three Kuki-Zo church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district in May, and later that month, a truck driver from West Bengal was killed in an ambush on a security-escorted convoy of trucks in Ukhrul district.