In a tragic incident, two soldiers of the Assam Rifles were killed in an ambush in Manipur's Imphal on the evening of September 19, 2025. The attack occurred in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area, located on the outskirts of Imphal, at approximately 5:50 PM. Reports indicate that several other personnel, including civilians, sustained injuries during the attack.
The Assam Rifles vehicle, a 407 Tata, was en route from Imphal to Bishnupur when it came under fire from unidentified gunmen. The ambush site is located about 8 kilometers from the Imphal airport, along a route that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently traveled. Following the attack, security forces immediately cordoned off the area to conduct further investigations. The injured were promptly shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. However, the exact number of injured individuals remains unconfirmed.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has strongly condemned the attack, expressing profound grief and extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. He also conveyed prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident. Bhalla asserted that such acts of violence would not be tolerated and would be met with the strongest resolve to safeguard peace and stability in the region. Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also expressed his condolences via social media.
The incident occurred just two days before a bandh (general strike) called by several valley-based insurgent groups. These groups oppose the Manipur Merger Agreement of September 21, 1949, historically marking this date with protests, claiming the merger with India was forced.
The attack highlights the continuing challenges of insurgency in Manipur, which is part of the wider insurgency in Northeast India. This ongoing armed conflict involves the Indian government and numerous separatist rebel groups and is rooted in a complex interplay of factors, including ethnic tensions, historical grievances, socio-economic neglect, and cross-border dynamics. Manipur shares approximately 5,500 km of borders with five countries, enabling the movement of insurgents, arms, and illegal trade.
The state of Manipur has been declared a disturbed area since September 8, 1980, under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958. While the provision was lifted in some parts of Manipur in March 2023, it remains in effect in most areas. Nambol, where the attack occurred, falls under the Bishnupur district, which is not under AFSPA coverage. The AFSPA was last extended in March 2025 for six months and will be reviewed again at the end of September.
Several insurgent groups operate in Manipur, some of which are banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. These groups include the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and the Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL). There are nine banned Meitei terrorist groups in Manipur, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In 2024, Northeast India experienced 266 insurgency-related incidents, with 203 occurring in Manipur, resulting in 258 deaths and the displacement of 60,000 people. The government has responded with military deployments, counter-insurgency operations, and cross-border coordination. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to promote economic development, improve infrastructure, and address social issues in the region.
