New Delhi: In a tragic escalation of violence in Manipur, a convoy of the Assam Rifles was ambushed in Churachandpur district near the Myanmar border, resulting in the martyrdom of five personnel, including a commanding officer and two of his family members.
The attack, which occurred in the Singngat area around 10.30 am, has sent shockwaves across the nation and drawn strong condemnation from both state and central leadership.
According to initial reports, the convoy was targeted in a premeditated strike while en route with members of the Quick Reaction Team and the officer’s family. The attackers, suspected to be militants from the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA), used a combination of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and automatic weapons to carry out the assault.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act”, and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “Strongly condemn the cowardly attack on a convoy of 46 AR, which has reportedly killed a few personnel, including the CO and his family. State forces and paramilitary units are already on the job to track down the militants,” he stated in a tweet.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his grief and solidarity with the bereaved families. “The nation has lost five brave soldiers, including CO 46 AR and two family members. My condolences to the bereaved families. The perpetrators will be brought to justice soon,” he tweeted.
The People’s Liberation Army, formed in 1978 and declared a terrorist organisation by the Union government, is known for its separatist agenda and history of ambushing Indian security forces. The group demands an independent Manipur and has been involved in several violent incidents over the years.
Following the attack, the Indian Army and paramilitary forces have launched a massive combing operation in the region to apprehend the assailants. Security has been tightened along the Indo-Myanmar border, and intelligence agencies are actively investigating the involvement of external forces.
This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in the region in recent years and raises serious concerns about the resurgence of insurgent activities in the Northeast. The loss of life, especially of a commanding officer and his family, underscores the human cost of such violence and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.