Following the recent ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur's Bishnupur district, government officials have pledged a firm and decisive response. The attack, which occurred on Friday, resulted in the deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel and injuries to five others.

The incident took place in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area, on the outskirts of Imphal, as troops of the 33 Assam Rifles were moving between their Patsoi Company Operating Base and the Nambol Company Operating Base. Reports indicate that the convoy was traveling in a Tata 407 vehicle when it came under fire from unidentified assailants. The gunmen, who are believed to have fled in a white van after the attack, opened fire directly on the vehicle. Assam Rifles officers stated that the troops showed restraint while retaliating to avoid any civilian casualties. The injured personnel were promptly shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

In the immediate aftermath of the ambush, security forces launched a large-scale search operation, with Assam Rifles units and Manipur Police cordoning off the area and conducting a thorough search to apprehend the attackers. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has strongly condemned the attack, expressing profound grief and extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred soldiers. In a post on X, the Raj Bhavan stated that such acts of violence will not be tolerated and will be met with the strongest resolve to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

In separate operations conducted over the past 24 hours, security forces have arrested six militants linked to various banned groups in the Imphal Valley districts. These arrests include three members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) detained in Imphal West, identified as Leishangthem Tondon Singh, Leishangthem Anand Singh, and Heikham Hemchandra Singh. Authorities seized rifles, magazines, and nearly 100 cartridges from their possession. Additionally, another KCP (PWG) cadre, Taorem Tomchou Meitei, was arrested in Imphal East, and in Thoubal district, police captured an active member of the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and another from the Socialist Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA).

The Assam Rifles, plays a crucial role in maintaining security in the Northeast, often operating in remote areas. The organization includes many locals in its ranks, and as a policy, families are allowed to reside with the personnel. Commanding Officers are required to visit company operating bases to review operations and address administrative issues.

The government's commitment to a strong response reflects the determination to bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice and to ensure the safety and security of the region.