Two Assam Rifles Personnel Killed in Manipur Ambush, NSCN-IM Denies Involvement

Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Monday. The attack took place near Nungshang Khong as the convoy was returning to the 40th Assam Rifles battalion headquarters at Sangshak .

The deceased were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh . Security forces launched search operations, cordoned off the area and deployed a forensic team, while an exchange of fire was also reported nearby.

In a statement, NSCN-IM denied any involvement, claiming the ambush was allegedly carried out by a breakaway "Eastern Flank" faction . The outfit said it had "no connection whatsoever" with the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process , vowing not to undermine political negotiations.

Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera paid tribute to the slain soldiers, while Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam condemned the attack and pledged strict action against those responsible.

Amid heightened security, police on Tuesday arrested four militants, including two minors , in separate operations across the state. Those held included a UNLF (P) cadre, despite the group's 2023 peace pact with the Centre, a member of the NRFM allegedly involved in extortion, and two juvenile cadres of the Kuki National Front (MC) . Security forces also recovered 77 rounds of ammunition , a suspected IED , and four locally made mortar shells .

The latest violence comes amid Manipur's prolonged ethnic conflict, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023 .