On the evening of September 19, 2025, Manipur witnessed another grim reminder of its fragile peace when an ambush targeted an Assam Rifles convoy in Bishnupur district. The calculated attack left two soldiers martyred and five others injured, sending shockwaves through the already sensitive region.

The incident occurred at Nambol Sabal Leikai, just 8 km from Imphal Airport, along the strategically significant National Highway-2. At around 5:50 pm, a convoy of the 33 Assam Rifles, moving from its Patsoi operating base to Nambol base, came under heavy fire. The attackers opened fire on a Tata 407 truck carrying personnel, sparking chaos and tragedy.

The Fallen Soldiers

The ambush claimed the lives of Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Their sacrifice was deeply mourned across the nation. The Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, paid heartfelt tribute, noting their “ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”

The five injured soldiers were immediately evacuated to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, where officials later confirmed that their condition was stable.

Despite extensive search operations in the area, the attackers managed to escape, and no group has yet claimed responsibility.

Official Statements and Security Response

In an official statement, a Defence spokesperson confirmed:

“In the ensuing action, two personnel of Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured, who have since been evacuated to RIMS (Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal) and are currently stable.”

Search operations are ongoing to track down the terrorists. The fact that the ambush took place in a denotified zone, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) does not apply, complicates the security operations.

The Assam Rifles, in a solemn note on X, said:

“All ranks of the Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Manipur today and offer deep condolences to the families of our Brave soldiers.”

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles & All Ranks of Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to Nb Sub Shyam Gurung & Rfn Ranjit Singh Kashyap who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Manipur today and offer deep condolences to the families of our… pic.twitter.com/Ntmm9wKrMU— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) September 19, 2025

A Critical Location: Same Route Used by Prime Minister Modi

What makes this ambush even more concerning is its proximity to a route used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just days earlier. On September 13, 2025, Modi made his first visit to Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. During the visit, he had urged all communities to “move on the path of peace” and emphasized that “dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding” were essential to rebuilding trust.

That message of reconciliation now faces a severe test. The attack occurred along the same Imphal–Churachandpur highway, a vital artery for the state’s security, economy, and governance.

Historical Context of Violence in Manipur

Manipur has long struggled with insurgency and ethnic conflict, and this ambush is part of a disturbing pattern.

• The ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began on May 3, 2023, leading to large-scale violence, displacement, and loss of life.

• The last major flare-up occurred on March 8, 2025, when a protest in Kangpokpi turned violent. One person was killed, and many were injured in a confrontation between protesters and security forces over free movement on highways.

• The last deadly ambush on security forces happened almost exactly a year ago, in September 2024, when a CRPF personnel was killed and two Manipur police officers were injured near Jiribam.

• In November 2021, Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife, son, and three Assam Rifles jawans were killed in an ambush in Churachandpur, highlighting the persistent threat posed by armed groups.

The latest attack disrupts the relative calm that Manipur had seen in recent months and has raised fresh concerns about insurgent activities.

The Governor of Manipur has 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…— RAJ BHAVAN, MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) September 19, 2025

Condemnations from Leaders

The incident drew strong reactions from the highest offices of the state.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned the attack in the harshest terms:

“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. 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.”

Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited the injured soldiers at RIMS, reassuring them and their families of the government’s full support. He also reiterated that efforts to capture the perpetrators were underway.

AFSPA and the Denotified Zone Dilemma

The attack has once again brought the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) into sharp focus. AFSPA is currently applicable across most of Manipur but excludes 13 police station areas across five districts in the valley, including Nambol in Bishnupur district.

AFSPA was last extended in March 2025 for six months and is due for review at the end of this month. Critics argue that lifting AFSPA in certain regions creates operational blind spots that insurgent groups exploit.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has listed nine banned Meitei terrorist groups as active in the state. These groups, some with bases across the Myanmar border, are notorious for targeting security forces. The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) is suspected of orchestrating Friday’s attack, though official confirmation is still awaited.

Ethnic Conflict and Political Sensitivity

This ambush comes at a politically sensitive time. Valley-based rebel groups have already announced a bandh to protest Manipur’s 1949 merger with India, adding further tension to an already fragile peace.

Since February 2025, Manipur has been under President’s Rule, following months of unrest. Though violence had somewhat subsided in recent months, this attack signals that peace remains precarious.

Security Implications

The ambush carries weighty implications for security forces operating in the region:

• Proximity to Imphal Airport: At just 8 km away, the site underscores the vulnerability of even high-security zones.

• Insurgents’ Strategy: The attack highlights the ability of armed groups to strike in denotified areas, complicating counter-insurgency measures.

• Symbolic Timing: Occurring shortly after the Prime Minister’s visit, the ambush appears designed to send a political message of defiance.

Remembering the Sacrifice

The nation mourns the bravery of Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Their sacrifice reminds us of the daily risks borne by security personnel safeguarding peace in conflict zones.

The Assam Rifles, known as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” have long been at the forefront of maintaining law and order in the region. Their resilience has been repeatedly tested, but their commitment remains unshaken.

Path Ahead: Beyond Military Action

While military responses and security crackdowns are inevitable after such an incident, experts caution that violence alone cannot bring lasting peace to Manipur. The roots of conflict lie in ethnic grievances, insurgency networks, and socio-political divides that need nuanced handling.

As Prime Minister Modi emphasized during his recent visit:

“Work is being done to establish peace… Dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding are essential.”

Sustainable peace in Manipur will require persistent dialogue, recognition of community grievances, and bridge-building among diverse groups. Violence only deepens distrust, making reconciliation harder.

Final Words

The September 19 ambush near Imphal is a painful reminder of the challenges that continue to confront Manipur. The loss of two brave soldiers and injuries to five more highlight the heavy price paid by those who defend the nation.

Even as search operations intensify and political leaders condemn the act, the larger message is clear: lasting peace in Manipur will not come solely from the barrel of a gun. It must be built on dialogue, reconciliation, and trust-building among communities long divided by history and politics.

Until then, the sacrifices of soldiers like Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap will remain etched in the nation’s memory as symbols of courage in the face of relentless adversity.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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