Manipur Ambush: Assam Rifles Loses Two Personnel, Unit Had Been Leading Flood-Relief Efforts

Last Updated:September 20, 2025, 09:55 IST

Sources told News18 that investigators suspect the involvement of the People’s Liberation Army, noting that the ambush comes close to their foundation day at the end of this month

An injured jawan of Assam Rifles being brought to a hospital after a group of armed men attacked a vehicle of the paramilitary force in Manipur’s Bishnupur district. (PTI)

An Assam Rifles convoy came under a deadly ambush in Nambol on Friday evening, leaving two personnel dead and five others injured. The attack took place at around 5.50pm on NH-2, as a vehicle-based column of the force was moving through Nambol Sabal Leikai, a built-up area in a de-notified zone.

A de-notified zone means the area is not under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

According to sources, a Junior Commissioned Officer and a jawan lost their lives in the ambush. Five more personnel were injured and have been admitted to RIMS, Imphal, where doctors have confirmed their condition as stable. Security forces have launched a search operation in the area, though no militant group has so far claimed responsibility.

Sources told News18 that investigators suspect the involvement of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), noting that the ambush comes close to the outfit’s foundation day at the end of this month.

The unit targeted in the attack had been heavily engaged in flood relief operations in recent days. Over the past two days, troops from the battalion had been distributing water, food, and medical assistance to families affected by floods. On Friday morning itself, columns were deployed to provide immediate support in low-lying areas. The unit also supplied ration kits to at least 50 households, containing rice, pulses, cooking oil, and salt—crucial aid that helped families regain a sense of stability amid adversity. Beyond relief work, the unit had recently organised a local judo championship, reinforcing its long-standing role in civic outreach.

Former chief minister N Biren Singh visited the injured jawans at RIMS on Friday night, assuring them of all possible assistance and condemning the attack as an act meant to destabilise peace in the state.

About the Author

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East…Read More

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East… Read More

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