New Delhi: Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed when militants ambushed their convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, police said Monday.
This comes amid simmering tensions between Kukis and Nagas in Ukhrul, triggered on 7 February by an alleged assault that escalated into clashes. At least 25 people from both communities have been killed since.
Monday’s attack took place at around 1.30 pm in the Ukhrul district, when militants opened fire on a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles, on NH-202 near Noungshong Kong village under Ukhrul police station.
“Security forces rushed to the site of attack and there was exchange of fire. Further operations are underway to neutralise the militants,” the statement added. A search operation has been launched.
According to sources, the deceased have been identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar C. M. Singh, who was serving as the driver.
Kukis blame Nagas, Nagas deny role
After the incident was reported in the media, the two communities began a blame game.
Members of the Kuki community posted on X: “There are growing concerns that while security operations are heavily concentrated in Kuki-inhabited areas, alleged activities of armed groups such as NSCN (IM), NSCN Eastern Flank, ZUF (Kamson Group), and other insurgent elements operating through border regions of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts require equal attention from the authorities.”
The post also said: “Concerns have also been raised regarding the movement and presence of armed groups in villages and border areas including Sinakeithel, Sareikhong, Thoyee, Leinganching and adjoining parts of Kamjong district. Many believe that security operations and counter-insurgency measures should be conducted impartially and based on credible intelligence, ensuring that all communities are treated equally under the law.”
They allege an IED attack killed the officers.
Denying the claims, the NSCN (IM) in a statement Monday said the ambush was “allegedly carried out by an armed group suspected to be the breakaway Eastern Flank faction, and has no connection whatsoever with the NSCN/GPRN”. The statement added: “There exists no Eastern Flank in the Naga Army of the NSCN/GPRN.”
The NSCN (IM) further said it was neither involved nor had any knowledge of the incident. “The NSCN/GPRN reiterates that it shall never resort to any action that could undermine, derail, or sabotage the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations,” it added.
ThePrint reached out to Manipur DG Mukesh Singh via Whatsapp. This report will be updated when and if he responds.
CM condemns attack
Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Yumnam said on X that he strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly militant ambush near Nungshangkong, Ukhrul”.
“My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated. The Government of Manipur is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and remains steadfast in upholding peace, security, and the rule of law,” the chief minister added. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has also issued a statement condemning the attack.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)