Assam Rifles ambush in Manipur's Ukhrul: 2 personnel critically injured
Synopsis
A suspected Naga armed group ambushed an Assam Rifles convoy near Nungshang Kong bridge in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Monday, critically injuring at least two personnel. Gunfire and explosions lasted nearly two hours, blocking police access to the site and triggering panic in surrounding villages — the latest flashpoint in Manipur's volatile hill districts.
Key Takeaways
At least two Assam Rifles personnel were critically injured in an ambush near Nungshang Kong bridge , Ukhrul district, Manipur , on Monday .
Suspected Naga armed assailants targeted a vehicle of the 40 Assam Rifles battalion, approximately 16 km east of Ukhrul Police Station.
Intermittent gunfire and explosions lasted nearly two hours , preventing police from reaching the site.
Farmers fled nearby paddy fields; panic spread across surrounding villages.
Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be dealt with 'strictly in accordance with the law.' The exact casualty count and attacker identities remained unconfirmed as of the latest reports.
At least two Assam Rifles personnel were critically injured on Monday, 7 July 2025, after a suspected Naga armed group ambushed a paramilitary convoy near Nungshang Kong bridge in Ukhrul district, Manipur. The attack, which triggered a prolonged exchange of fire, left security forces unable to reach the site for several hours and sent panic rippling through surrounding villages.
How the Attack Unfolded
A senior police official in Imphal said an Assam Rifles patrol party was ambushed by unidentified Naga armed assailants near the Nungshang Kong bridge, approximately 16 km east of Ukhrul Police Station, during the afternoon hours. The ambush targeted a vehicle belonging to the 40 Assam Rifles battalion.
According to preliminary reports, at least two personnel sustained very serious injuries. An intermittent exchange of fire reportedly continued in the area for nearly two hours, preventing a police team from Ukhrul Police Station from reaching the incident site. As a result, the exact number of casualties and the identity of the attackers could not be immediately confirmed, officials said.
Villagers Flee as Gunfire Persists
A police official, citing accounts from local villagers, said heavy gunfire and repeated explosions were heard for close to two hours near the site, which lies about 17 km from the Ukhrul district headquarters. Farmers working in nearby paddy fields fled to safer locations as the firing intensified. Panic gripped the surrounding villages, with residents reportedly sheltering indoors until the situation stabilised.
Manipur Home Minister Condemns the Attack
Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh strongly condemned the ambush. In a Facebook post, he said he was 'deeply saddened by the unfortunate ambush on the convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles at Nungshang Kong, Ukhrul.' Singh added that 'such incidents only disrupt the peace and harmony that the people of the state collectively aspire to uphold.'
The Home Minister expressed solidarity with the injured personnel. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the injured personnel, and I wish them a speedy and complete recovery. I am confident that the security forces will take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible are dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. Let us all remain united in our collective commitment to peace, security, and the well-being of Manipur,' Govindas Singh said.
Security Context in Manipur
The incident comes amid sustained security operations across Manipur, where central and state forces have maintained heightened vigil in both valley and hill districts to counter militant activity and restore normalcy. Ukhrul district, a hill district bordering Nagaland and Myanmar, has historically seen activity by Naga insurgent groups, making it a sensitive zone for paramilitary deployments. This attack is the latest in a series of security incidents that have tested the state's fragile peace process.
Point of View
Attacks on central paramilitary forces carry a deliberate signalling dimension that cannot be read as isolated criminality. The Centre's response — and whether it accelerates or complicates ongoing negotiations — will be worth watching closely.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Assam Rifles ambush in Ukhrul, Manipur?
A suspected Naga armed group ambushed an Assam Rifles patrol convoy near Nungshang Kong bridge in Ukhrul district, Manipur, on Monday. At least two personnel sustained critical injuries, and intermittent gunfire reportedly continued for nearly two hours after the attack.
Where exactly did the Manipur ambush take place?
The ambush occurred near the Nungshang Kong bridge, approximately 16 km east of Ukhrul Police Station and about 17 km from the Ukhrul district headquarters in Manipur's hill region.
Who carried out the attack on Assam Rifles in Ukhrul?
According to officials, the attackers were unidentified Naga armed assailants. The exact identity of the group had not been officially confirmed as of the latest reports, and investigations were ongoing.
What did Manipur Home Minister Govindas Singh say about the ambush?
Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh strongly condemned the attack, saying he was 'deeply saddened' by the ambush on the 40 Assam Rifles convoy. He expressed solidarity with the injured and called on security forces to ensure those responsible are dealt with strictly under the law.
What is the security situation in Manipur's Ukhrul district?
Ukhrul is a hill district bordering Nagaland and Myanmar that has historically seen activity by Naga insurgent groups. Central and state security forces have maintained heightened vigil across Manipur's hill districts as part of ongoing operations to counter militant activity and restore normalcy.
