A day after two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and five other injured in a deadly ambush at Nambol Sabal Leikai, Bishnupur district, residents staged protests today, denouncing what they described as a cowardly and barbaric attack that threatened peace in the region.
Clad in mourning attire, locals gathered near the site of the incident, holding placards and raising slogans condemning the violence for spreading fear among civilians. Women protesters later led a rally demanding an end to such assaults on security forces, particularly in crowded public areas.
The attack took place on Friday evening when unidentified assailants ambushed a convoy of Assam Rifles in a denotified area of the Imphal Valley, where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is not in force. Two personnel — Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap — lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries and were admitted to RIMS, Imphal. Their condition is reported to be stable.
According to a survivor, four to five armed men suddenly opened fire, and security personnel refrained from retaliating immediately to prevent civilian casualties.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Satyabrata Singh, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and former Minister Govindas Konthoujam, among others. Governor Bhalla conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, stating that such heinous acts would not be tolerated and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding peace. Speaker Satyabrata Singh termed the ambush a dastardly attempt to derail the peace process in Manipur.
Meanwhile, security forces have launched intensive search operations to track down the perpetrators and the vehicle used in the ambush. No group has claimed responsibility so far. Authorities remain on high alert as the state mourns the fallen soldiers, with both public demonstrations and official statements reflecting a unified call for justice and peace.