Manipur Jolted as Assam Rifles Convoy Ambushed Near Imphal ,Two Soldiers Killed

The fragile peace in Manipur was disrupted on Friday evening when armed assailants ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle, resulting in the death of two soldiers and injuring at least four others. The attack took place in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area of Bishnupur district, a location unnervingly close to Imphal's airportThe incident occurred at approximately 5:50 PM when a Tata 407 truck carrying personnel of the 33 Assam Rifles was traveling from their base towards Bishnupur.[The attackers opened fire on the vehicle before reportedly fleeing the scene.Local residents and police were quick to respond, rushing the injured soldiers to the hospital for urgent medical care.Tragically, two jawans succumbed to their injuries.The injured are said to be in stable condition.This attack is being seen as a significant escalation of violence in the state, which has been grappling with unrest for over a yearIt is reportedly the first fatal attack on central security forces in Manipur in the past year] The timing is also critical, as it comes just days before a planned shutdown called by valley-based groups.Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive search operation to apprehend the perpetrators.As of now, no group has come forward to claim responsibility for the ambush.The Governor of Manipur strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.[ A statement from the Governor's office affirmed 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.”Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh also expressed his shock, calling the attack a "cruel blow.The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Manipur and has cast a pall of fear and concern over the region.