Imphal, July 6: Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed in a suspected militant ambush in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday, triggering a massive security operation in the area.
The deceased have been identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar C.M. Singh.
According to reports, the attack took place near Nungshang Kong at around 1.30 pm while the personnel were returning to the 40 Assam Rifles’ Shangshak Battalion headquarters.
Security sources said the ambush was followed by heavy exchange of fire and repeated explosions, with gunfire continuing for nearly two hours.
Condemning the attack, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla described it as a “dastardly act of violence” and said such incidents would not weaken the collective resolve to maintain peace and security in the state.
The Governor expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the ambush in the strongest terms, expressing deep sympathy to the families of the slain personnel and reaffirming the state government’s commitment to taking decisive action against those responsible.
Security forces have launched search operations in the area to track down the attackers.
