New Delhi: President’s Prohibition has been in effect in Manipur for quite some time, and people are hoping for a return to peace. However, unrest persists. Insurgents have once again attacked Assam Rifles personnel in an ambush. Two soldiers were martyred, and five others were injured.
The militants launched this attack on Friday evening in the Nambol Sabal Laikai area of Bishnupur district. Around 5:45 pm, an Assam Rifles vehicle was travelling from Imphal to Bishnupur. At that moment, four to five militants suddenly opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicle. The firing was so intense that the soldiers did not have time to take positions.
Exerting restraint, the soldiers did not immediately retaliate, fearing the safety of civilians in the crowded area. The soldiers martyred in the militant attack have been identified as Naik Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Keshap. The injured soldiers have been admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for treatment.
A large number of cartridges were recovered.d
Following the attack on the soldiers by militants, police and forensic teams conducted a search operation at the scene. A large number of cartridges were recovered. According to the police, the attackers have fled into the nearby dense forests. Security forces have launched a combing operation in the area. The area where the attack took place is not covered by the AFSPA. AFSPA is currently in effect in almost all of Manipur, but 13 police station areas in five districts of the valley are exempted from it. Nambol is one of those areas.
Governor Condemns
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has strongly condemned this brutal attack and expressed grief. He paid tribute to the soldiers martyred in the attack. He said, “Such heinous attacks will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The sacrifices of the security forces in protecting the country will always be remembered.
In addition, former Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh visited RIMS and met with the injured soldiers and said, “This attack on our brave soldiers is deeply tragic. I express my condolences to the families of the martyrs and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. He further stated that the perpetrators should be punished severely.”