The NSCN-IM on Monday denied any involvement in the reported ambush on a convoy of the Indian Armed Forces in the Nungshang River area near Hungpung village, asserting that the incident had “no connection whatsoever” with the organisation.
In a press statement issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the NSCN-IM said the reported ambush, which allegedly occurred at around 1:30 pm, was suspected to have been carried out by an armed group described as a breakaway “Eastern Flank” faction. The organisation, however, maintained that no such “Eastern Flank” exists within its Naga Army.
“The NSCN/GPRN categorically states that it was neither involved in nor had any knowledge of the said incident,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, the NSCN-IM said it continued to honour the agreed ground rules and would never undertake any action that could undermine or derail the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations.
“The pursuit of an honourable and peaceful political solution remains the unwavering commitment of the NSCN/GPRN,” it stated.
The organisation also condemned actions that it said could be detrimental to the peace process and the ongoing political dialogue, urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility to ensure that progress towards a negotiated settlement is not jeopardised by acts capable of creating mistrust and instability.
2 Assam Rifles personnel killed in Manipur ambush
Two personnel of the Assam Rifles were killed and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed a security convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday afternoon, prompting a large-scale search operation in the area.
The attack took place around 1.30 pm near Nungshangkhong on National Highway 202, about 15 km to 16 km from Ukhrul town. The convoy belonged to the 40 Assam Rifles stationed at Sangshak when it came under fire from unidentified gunmen.
The slain personnel have been identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh. Defence sources said injured personnel were evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Following the ambush, security forces launched search and area domination operations to track down the attackers. Villagers reported hearing intermittent gunfire for several hours, suggesting a prolonged exchange between the forces and the militants.
A forensic team is expected to visit the site as investigations continue.
Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing their deaths as a “supreme sacrifice in the line of duty” and extended condolences to their families.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings and assured strict action against those responsible. “The government will not tolerate such brutal violence and will not remain a mute spectator to these atrocities,” he said, adding that the perpetrators would be arrested and punished under the law.