Manipur Ambush: Two Assam Rifles Soldiers Martyred, Suspects in Custody

National News: Two soldiers were killed and five others injured in an attack on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur on Friday evening. Security forces detained two suspects on Saturday. A vehicle used in the attack was also recovered from Mutum Yangbi in Imphal, about 12 kilometers from the site of the attack. Police said the vehicle has multiple owners, and they have been identified.

Rapid Security Forces Response

Following the incident, security forces launched a massive search operation in the affected areas. The operation, conducted in the Shantipur and Ishok areas, aimed to identify and quickly arrest the attackers. Law and order remained tense in the state, but authorities maintained complete control of the situation.

Timeline of the Attack

Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap of the Assam Rifles were martyred while their vehicle was traveling from Patsoi Company Base to Nambol Base. The attackers opened fire on the vehicle. The injured soldiers were immediately admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal. This is the same route that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited.

High-Level Meeting and Security Enhancement Instructions

A high-level meeting chaired by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was held a day after the incident. Security officials at the meeting stressed the need to increase security in sensitive areas, highways, and transit routes. They also directed strengthening coordination among all security agencies to ensure the speedy identification of the perpetrators.

Background of Ethnic Tensions in Manipur

Violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities over land, political representation, and social issues has been ongoing in Manipur since 2023. More than 260 people have been killed and nearly 50,000 displaced in this violence. The administration has tightened security in sensitive areas and is closely monitoring the situation.

The recent attack highlights Manipur's law and order and security challenges. The swift action by security forces and the high-level meeting are expected to strengthen security in sensitive areas and prevent such incidents in the future.