Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed in an alleged militant ambush near Nungshang Kong in Manipur's Ukhrul district. Security forces have launched a massive search operation.
Imphal, July 6: Two personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles were killed in an alleged militant ambush near Nungshang Kong (Lungshang River) along National Highway-202 in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Monday, triggering a massive search operation by security forces in the area.
According to information available so far, the ambush took place in the afternoon while personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles were returning to their battalion headquarters at Shangshak. Reports indicate that the attack occurred near Nungshang Kong, around 8 km from Ukhrul town, along the Imphal–Ukhrul road.
The two personnel, identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh, reportedly sustained critical injuries in the attack and later succumbed to their wounds. Their bodies were taken to the Shangshak Assam Rifles camp.
Local villagers said intense gunfire and repeated explosions echoed through the area for nearly two hours, causing panic among residents. Farmers working in nearby paddy fields reportedly fled to safer locations as the exchange of fire intensified.
Videos circulating on social media also showed reports of continuous firing between Nungshang Kong and the Cement Factory area from around 1:50 pm onwards. Residents claimed they heard loud explosions resembling bomb blasts during the exchange of fire. However, these videos and claims could not be independently verified.
Following the attack, security forces launched a massive cordon and search operation (CASO) across the sector to track down those responsible.
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The circumstances leading to the ambush remain unclear, and the identities of the attackers have not been officially established. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far. There has also been no official statement from the Assam Rifles or other security agencies confirming operational details of the incident.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the attack and paid tribute to the two Assam Rifles personnel who were killed in the ambush.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "I strongly condemn the heinous and cowardly militant ambush near Nungshangkong, Ukhrul, in which two brave personnel of the Assam Rifles laid down their lives in the line of duty. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Reaffirming the government's resolve to tackle militancy, he added, "Such acts of terror will not be tolerated. The Government of Manipur is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and remains steadfast in upholding peace, security, and the rule of law."
I strongly condemn the heinous and cowardly militant ambush near Nungshangkong, Ukhrul, in which two brave personnel of the Assam Rifles laid down their lives in the line of duty.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) July 6, 2026
My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten.…
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam also expressed grief over the attack in a post on Facebook.
"I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate ambush on the convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles at Nungshang Kong, Ukhrul. Such incidents only disrupt the peace and harmony that we all aspire to uphold. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured personnel, and I wish them a speedy and complete recovery.
"I am confident that the security forces will take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible are dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. Let us all remain united in our collective commitment to peace, security, and the well-being of Manipur," he said.
This is a developing story. Further official details regarding the attack are awaited.
