"unidentified terrorists" strike on the Highway in Manipur ::: "As of now, no group has claimed responsibility" ::: Guv Bhalla condemns ambush ::: 'Supreme sacrifice' made by two Assam Rifles jawans : Five injured .... reinforcement teams scanning the area

The essential tool for central forces the 'Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA' does not apply to Nambol, where the ambush happened on Friday (Sept 19) 

This falls under Bishnupur district and not far from state capital Imphal. 

Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla on Friday strongly condemned the attack on security forces this evening, in which "two brave jawans of the Assam Rifles made the supreme sacrifice" in the line of duty.

"The Governor expressed profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred soldiers, acknowledging their unwavering courage and dedication in protecting the nation. He further conveyed prayers for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the incident," a Raj Bhavan statement said.

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Sources said, on Sept 19th, at around 5:50 pm, a vehicle based column of troops of 33 Assam Rifles unit was moving on National Highway 2 during hours of darkness in heavy built up area. 

In general area, Nambol Sabal Leikai, the column was ambushed by "unidentified terrorists" on the Highway, in the denotified area of Manipur. 

In the ensuing action, two personnel of Assam Rifles were martyred and five are injured who have since been evacuated to RIMS and currently stable. 

"As of now, no group has claimed responsibility. Search operations are ongoing to eliminate the terrorists involved in the incident," sources said. 

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The Governor reaffirmed that such heinous acts of violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances and warned that they will be "met with the strongest resolve" to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

Security sources said the convoy came under sudden and heavy gunfire, forcing the personnel to take cover and return fire.

Casualties and injuries reported.

One Assam Rifles jawan is reported to be in critical condition, initial reports said.

Afew others sustained injuries. All injured personnel have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation is underway to track down the assailants. Additional security forces have been rushed to the spot.The attack has come amid heightened security in Manipur, which has been on edge due to recurring violence and unrest in several districts since May 2023.