Manipur to revamp counter-insurgency strategy after Assam Rifles ambush

Imphal, July 9: The Manipur government has announced a major review of its counter-insurgency strategy following the deadly ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Ukhrul that claimed the lives of two personnel.

State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the government would adopt a “new perspective” in its security operations to tackle insurgent groups and strengthen protection for civilians.

“We are giving a relook to the operations. We must protect the people and ensure that miscreants are curbed,” Konthoujam told reporters after reviewing the security situation.

The minister said he had held discussions with CRPF Director General G.P. Singh and senior security officials, following which it was decided to adopt a revised operational strategy.
He also confirmed that the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), the CRPF’s elite jungle warfare unit, has been deployed in Manipur. The force specialises in guerrilla warfare and counter-insurgency operations in difficult terrain.

“I discussed the deployment and accommodation arrangements for the CoBRA units,” Konthoujam said.

The review follows Monday’s ambush near Nungshangohong village in Ukhrul district, in which Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman C.M. Singh of the 40 Assam Rifles were killed while returning to their battalion headquarters.

Officials described the attack as one of the deadliest strikes on security forces in Manipur since the 2015 Chandel ambush, indicating that the assault was carefully planned.

In the aftermath of the attack, security has been intensified across the state, with the government adopting a multi-pronged approach to dismantle insurgent camps and strengthen counter-insurgency operations.

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