Two Assam Rifles jawans were killed after armed men attacked a paramilitary vehicle in Manipur's Bishnupur. The vehicle carrying the troops came under an ambush by unidentified terrorists while moving along National Highway 2 near Nambol Sabal Leikai in Manipur. The incident occurred around 5:50 PM in a heavily built-up area during hours of darkness.
According to sources, it is the same route that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to go to Churachandpur during his Manipur visit few days back.
In the exchange of fire, two Assam Rifles personnel were killed. Five others sustained injuries and were promptly evacuated to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), where they are currently reported to be in stable condition.
A senior security official said that the terrorists fled in a white van after attacking the vehicle carrying troops on a busy road. The troops responded with caution to prevent harm to civilians.
Security forces have now launched a manhunt to track down those responsible for the attack.
Assam Rifles pays tributes to slain soldiers
The Assam Rifles took to X to pay tributes to the sacrifice of Nb Sub Shyam Gurung and Rfn Ranjit Singh Kashyap in the line of duty.
Former CM Biren Singh expresses sorrow
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed anguish over the demise of Army personnel, seeking severe punishment for the perpetrators.
"I am deeply shaken to hear about the ambush on our brave 33 Assam Rifles personnel at Nambol Sabal Leikai. The loss of two jawans and injuries to several others is a cruel blow to us all. My deepest condolences to the families of the fallen and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured. Their courage and sacrifice will remain in our hearts forever. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must face the harshest punishment," Singh posted on X.
Six militants nabbed in Manipur
Earlier on Thursday, the security forces nabbed six militants belonging to several outfits from three districts of Imphal Valley, PTI reported citing police.
Three active members of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) were arrested from their homes in Imphal West district. They were identified as Leishangthem Tondon Singh (34), Leishangthem Anand Singh (34), and Heikham Hemchandra Singh (41), according to a police statement.
Police recover huge cache of arms, ammunition
The police recovered two SLR rifles, two modified .303 rifles, one INSAS rifle, nine magazines of various types, and 99 cartridges from them.
Another member of the same group, Taorem Tomchou Meitei, also known as Pena (45), was arrested from Andro in Imphal East district.
In Thoubal district, an active member of the banned PREPAK (PRO) group was arrested from Ichan Khunou.
Police arrested Khoinaijam Bhumeshwor Singh (24), a member of the banned SOREPA group, from Samaram Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district. A dummy gun and three cartridges were seized from him, the police added. (With inputs from agencies)
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