GUWAHATI/IMPHAL, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed a patrol in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday, triggering a counter-operation by security forces. The attack took place around 1.30 pm at Nungshangkong, about 15 km from Ukhrul town.
The Assam Rifles later identified the slain personnel as warrant officer Balwant Singh and havildar Chandra Mohan Singh.
In a statement, Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera and all ranks of the force paid solemn tribute to the two soldiers and expressed deep condolences to their families, saying they made the “supreme sacrifice in the line of duty”.
Defence sources said the injured personnel were evacuated to a hospital, while security forces launched an operation to track down the attackers. “The people who carried out the attack have been pursued. A firefight is continuously going on with them,” a senior defence official told The New Indian Express.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla, chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, home minister Govindas Konthoujam and others strongly condemned the Ukhrul ambush.
Governor said such attacks had no place in the society and cannot weaken collective resolve to uphold peace and security.
Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. “The government will not tolerate such brutal violence and will not remain a mute spectator to these atrocities. Those responsible for the murders will be arrested and punished as per the law of the land,” he said.
State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam also mourned the deaths, saying such acts of violence would only hamper efforts to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the ethnic strife-hit state. “The state government remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining law and order, and I am confident that all those responsible will be identified and brought to justice strictly in accordance with the law,” he said.
