Two Assam Rifles Personnel Killed in Militant Ambush in Manipur’s Ukhrul; Massive Search Operation Launched

KalimNews, July 6, 2026, Imphal :  Two personnel of the Assam Rifles lost their lives after militants ambushed a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday, intensifying security concerns in a region already grappling with ethnic tensions.

The attack took place at around 1:30 p.m. along National Highway-202 near Noungshong Kong village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Ukhrul Police Station. According to official information, heavily armed militants opened fire on the convoy, triggering an exchange of gunfire as security forces responded immediately. Reinforcements were rushed to the area, and an extensive search and counter-insurgency operation is currently underway to track down and neutralize those responsible.

Sources identified the two personnel who were killed in the attack as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar C. M. Singh, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the ambush. Their deaths have been widely mourned, with tributes pouring in for their service and sacrifice.

The incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in Ukhrul district. The unrest reportedly began on 7 February following an alleged assault that escalated into violent clashes. Since then, at least 25 people from both communities have lost their lives, leaving the district in a fragile security situation.

Following reports of the ambush, members of the Kuki community expressed concerns on social media, urging authorities to conduct impartial security operations across all affected areas. They argued that while security measures have largely focused on Kuki-inhabited regions, equal attention should also be directed toward the alleged activities of various armed groups operating in the border areas of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, including those they associated with NSCN (IM), the alleged NSCN Eastern Flank, and ZUF (Kamson Group). They also raised concerns regarding the reported movement of armed groups in villages such as Sinakeithel, Sareikhong, Thoyee, Leinganching, and nearby areas, calling for intelligence-based operations that ensure all communities are treated fairly under the law. Some members further alleged that an improvised explosive device (IED) had been used during the attack.

Responding to these allegations, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), commonly known as NSCN (IM), firmly denied any involvement. In an official statement, the organization said it had no connection whatsoever with the ambush and rejected claims linking it to the incident. It further stated that there is no "Eastern Flank" within the Naga Army under its command and suggested that the attack had allegedly been carried out by a breakaway faction operating independently. The group also emphasized that it had neither prior knowledge of nor any role in the assault and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations are not undermined by acts of violence.

Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Yumnam strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a heinous and cowardly act of terrorism. Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of the two fallen soldiers, he said their supreme sacrifice would never be forgotten. He also affirmed that such acts of violence would not be tolerated and assured that the Government of Manipur remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice while continuing its efforts to uphold peace, security, and the rule of law across the state.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also condemned the ambush, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and reaffirming support for the security forces engaged in restoring peace and stability.

Investigations into the attack are continuing, and security forces remain deployed in the area as search operations proceed. Authorities have not officially identified the perpetrators, and the investigation remains ongoing.