Ukhrul: Two personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles were reportedly killed in a suspected militant ambush along National Highway 202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday, police said.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred at around 1:30 pm near Nungshang Kong under Ukhrul Police Station, about 16 km from Ukhrul town. The targeted vehicle was reportedly the third in a convoy travelling through the area.
The two personnel, who sustained critical injuries in the attack, later succumbed to their injuries. They have been identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman Chandra Mohan Singh, who was driving the vehicle.
Security forces rushed to the site soon after the attack, triggering an exchange of fire with the suspected militants. Search and area domination operations are currently underway to track down those responsible.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media purportedly shows security personnel carrying a rocket launcher during the operation, sparking panic among villagers working in nearby paddy fields.
According to local sources, the exchange of fire continued for several hours. Vehicular movement along NH-202 was also suspended following the incident, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on the highway.
The Manipur government condemned the killing of the two Assam Rifles personnel.
In a statement, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and described the attack as a “brutal act” of violence.
The Government will not tolerate such brutal violence and will not remain a mute spectator to these atrocities. The culprits responsible for the murder will be arrested and punished as per the law of the land, the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, the NSCN/GPRN issued a statement categorically denying any involvement in the alleged ambush and appealed to the public not to associate the organisation with the incident.
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