Security forces on Tuesday intensified search operations across Manipur's Ukhrul district, with a massive manhunt entering its second day after a deadly ambush claimed the lives of two Assam Rifles personnel along the Imphal–Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). A senior police official said joint teams of central and state security forces are carrying out extensive combing operations to trace and neutralise those behind the attack, in which Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh were killed.
The soldiers lost their lives on Monday when suspected Naga militants ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle near Nungshang Kong in Ukhrul district. The incident occurred just days after security forces demolished two major militant bunkers at Thoyee village (Mahadev Top) and Jalenbung village under the Litan Police Station area as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Amid speculation over the identity of the attackers, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) denied any role in the ambush. In a statement, the outfit said it was "neither involved in nor had any knowledge of the said incident," while reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace negotiations.
The group further asserted that it continues to adhere to the ceasefire ground rules and would not engage in any activity that could jeopardise the political dialogue with the Centre. It also condemned any action capable of disrupting the peace process and appealed to all stakeholders to exercise restraint.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified counter-insurgency operations across the state. During an area domination exercise at Chiru village under Kangchup Police Station in Kangpokpi district, Manipur Police recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) along with four locally manufactured mortar shells.
In separate operations, four suspected militants linked to different insurgent groups were arrested from Imphal East district and Kakching district, with arms and ammunition seized from their possession. In another operation, two juvenile members of the Kuki National Front were apprehended from the Geljang area of Churachandpur district, where security personnel also recovered 77 rounds of 5.56 mm live ammunition.
Officials said search operations and surveillance have been further strengthened in vulnerable and fringe areas to curb militant activities and maintain law and order. As part of heightened security measures, 113 nakas and checkpoints have been established across the valley and hill districts to monitor movement, intercept suspicious vehicles and prevent the transportation of illegal arms, ammunition and explosives.
Security personnel have also continued to escort vehicles carrying essential commodities along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Authorities said stringent convoy protection measures remain in place to ensure the uninterrupted movement of supplies through one of Manipur's most critical transport corridors.
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