Assam Rilfes ... 'Dost hae' ... like Family ::::: Not many should be surprised that after ambush at Nambol, a number of ethnic social organisations across Manipur took to streets to protest

The credibility of Assam Rifles as a force is not only for crackdown in counter insurgency.

It's efficacy has been tested successfully in multiple national and international theatres including Sri Lanka. At the same time it has remained 'friendly' to the natives in the north east of India. 

Leading from the front: 'Farewell Heroes' - Guv Bhalla paying homage 

Probably one of the first regular forces globally which have undertaken a more 'supporting role' with the local inhabitants in a predominantly ideological, political, and diplomatic response to militancy.

Thus, not many should be surprised that following Sept 19 (2025) ambush at Nambol in Manipur, a number of ethnic social organisations across Manipur took to the streets registering their protest against the tragic and mischievous incident.

Kwatha village is a picturesque hamlet in Manipur, located about 18 km from Moreh, the Indo-Myanmar border town.

It's notable for being the only Meitei-majority settlement in the hill regions of Manipur.

"Assam Rifles is like family .... hamara Dost hae," said one local resident.

On Sept 20th, a large number of locals participated in the demonstration in solidarity with the Assam Rifles. The Sept 19 ambush had left two brave-hearts martyred and five others including a Meitei were injured. 

Reports of such floral tributes to Nb Sub (GD) Shyam Gurung and Rifleman (GD) Ranjeet Singh Kashyap have come from Pallel as well.

Pallel is a Village in Kakching region  in Thoubal district of Manipur.  

A large number of organisations - small or big - from multiple communities have condemned the ambush.

They include - Kuki Students' Organisation, Chassad Youth Club, Shangshak Village Authority, Shungri (Sorde) Village Authority, Raizan Long, South Eastern Kuki Youth Organisation and Khongdei (Shimpung) Village Authority.  

Manipur Governor Bhalla reviews security situation : 

Following the “heinous attack” on Assam Rifles on Friday evening, Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, reviewed the prevailing security situation in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, on Friday.

Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor, the GOC-in-C of Eastern Command, the GOC of 3 Corps, the Commissioner (Home), the ADGPs, IGAR (S), IGAR (E), the GOC 57 Mountain Division, the IG CRPF, DIG (BSF), the Secretary to the Governor, the Joint Director SIB Manipur, along with other police and military officers attended the meeting, sources said.

One can easily say that it was 'deeply disheartening' that a cowardly attack was perpetrated under the cover of darkness in a "De-notified AFSPA zone" — an area where retaliation could have endangered innocent lives. 

This was not just an attack on a unit—it is an affront to the spirit of service, compassion and unity that Assam Rifles embodies. Hopefully, the society by and large, intellectuals including the local media in particular and the people of Manipur will rise to the occasion.  

Thousands of Kuki-Zo people and other residents of Lamka (Churachandpur) turned out in a massive show of solidarity, holding a candlelight vigil and peace march to honor the Assam Rifles soldiers martyred in Sept 19 ambush.

The solemn procession began at the Public Ground of Hiangtam Lamka and made its way to the Peace Ground in Tuibong, reports said. 

With moist eyes and with candles in hand, participants—men, women, and youth alike—walked in silence, carrying banners and the national flag. 

Candle Light vigil and floral tribute to pay homage to the bravehearts organised by about  150 natives and Meira Paibi volunteers of Singjamei at Singjamei Chowk 

Candle light March held at Chandrakong 

Similar demonstration and floral tributes reported from Zila Sainik Kalayan Board office complex Chandel

and also in Tengnoupal district HQ

ends