At least two Assam Rifles personnel were killed after a suspected Naga armed group ambushed a paramilitary convoy near Nungshang Kong Bridge in Ukhrul district, Manipur, on Monday, 6 July, according to officials. The attack, which triggered hours of sustained gunfire, drew sharp condemnation from the state's top leadership.

How the Ambush Unfolded

A senior police official in Imphal said an Assam Rifles patrol party was reportedly set upon by unidentified Naga armed assailants near the Nungshang Kong Bridge, approximately 16 km east of Ukhrul Police Station, on Monday afternoon. The two personnel sustained critical injuries during the attack and later succumbed.

According to local accounts cited by police, heavy gunfire and repeated explosions continued for nearly two hours in the area, located about 17 km from the Ukhrul district headquarters. An intermittent exchange of fire reportedly persisted for several hours thereafter, preventing a police team from Ukhrul from reaching the site. As a result, the exact casualty count and the precise identity of the attackers could not be immediately confirmed.

Farmers working in nearby paddy fields fled to safer locations as the firing intensified, while panic spread through surrounding villages.

Government Condemnation and Vow of Action

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a 'barbaric act of violence.' He conveyed condolences to the families of the slain personnel and asserted that the state government would not remain a passive observer to such acts.

'The perpetrators responsible for this brutal murder will be identified, arrested and punished in accordance with the law of the land,' Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said in a statement.

Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh also condemned the attack, saying he was 'deeply saddened by the unfortunate ambush on the convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles at Nungshang Kong, Ukhrul.' He expressed confidence that security forces would act decisively against those responsible, adding: '...Let us all remain united in our collective commitment to peace, security, and the well-being of Manipur.'

Security Context in Manipur

The attack comes amid intensified security operations across Manipur, where central and state forces have maintained heightened vigilance in both valley and hill districts to curb militant activity and restore normalcy. Notably, Ukhrul — a hill district bordering Nagaland — has historically been a zone of activity for various Naga armed outfits, making Monday's ambush part of a recurring pattern of violence targeting security forces in the region.

The identities of the slain personnel and the specific group responsible have not been officially confirmed pending further investigation. Security forces have cordoned off the area and a full assessment of the incident is underway.

What Happens Next

State and central security agencies are expected to launch a coordinated combing operation in the Nungshang Kong area. The Manipur government has signalled zero tolerance, and further action — potentially including deployment of additional paramilitary units — is anticipated in the coming days.