Imphal: Meitei community and Kuki-Zo bodies have strongly condemned the attack of 33 Assam Rifles at Nambol Sabal Leikai, Bishunupur district on Friday evening that killed two jawans, injuring five others.
Unknown armed miscreants ambushed at a convoy of 33 Assam Rifles along Tiddim road (NH-150 now renamed as NH-2) in which two of the AR jawans died on the spot and five of them were injured. The injured jawans have been given treatment at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.
Hospital authority said the injured were out of danger.
Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a Kuki Zo body expressed strong condemnation and termed it as the “cowardly and brutal attack on a the Assam Rifles…the ambush once again exposes the violent, anti-national and secessionist character of the Meitei militant group”.
The council said the incident was occurred at an area notably not under Armed Forces (Special Power) Act AFSPA.
“The cumulative evidence of violence, discrimination, and oppression makes it abundantly clear that peaceful coexistence under the same administrative framework with the Meiteis is no longer possible,” said the council.
Since the Manipur violence erupted in May 3, 2023 more than 260 lives have been lost and more than 60,000 individuals were displaced. Security forces have been conducting counter insurgency operations in the state resulting to arrest of militants and recovery of arms almost every day.
Locals of Nambol Sabal Leikai, Bishnupur on Saturday demonstrated a protest rally condemning the attack towards paramilitary forces.
“We strongly condemn the incident killing two AR jawans and injuring five of them. The firing incident could have injured civilians,” said a protestor.
Since, February 13 Manipur has been under President’s Rule following political turmoil in the state in addition to the Manipur crisis.
No underground outfit or groups has so far made any claim for the ambush till the filing of this report.
Wreath laying ceremony for the deceased soldiers will be conducted at the Mantripukhri Garrison, Imphal at 5: 30 pm Saturday, said IG Assam Rifles (South).
