Two Assam Rifles personnel were martyred after suspected militants ambushed a convoy of the 40 Assam Rifles near Nungshang Khong (also spelled Nungshangkong or Lungshang Kong) village along National Highway-202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on July 6.
The attack took place between 1:30 pm and 1:40 pm when the personnel were travelling from Ukhrul to their battalion headquarters in Shangshak. According to reports, militants used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted near a bridge before opening heavy fire on the convoy. The exchange of fire continued for more than an hour. Two soldiers lost their lives, several others were injured, and security forces immediately launched cordon-and-search operations in the area.
The two personnel who lost their lives have been identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar (or Rifleman) Chandra Mohan Singh (C.M. Singh), who was reportedly driving one of the convoy vehicles. Both died from injuries sustained in the ambush. Their bodies were scheduled to be flown to their respective hometowns on July 7—one to Uttarakhand and the other linked to the Ghaziabad region. Some reports also noted that both had strong Uttarakhand connections, reflecting the significant recruitment from Himalayan regions into such forces.
Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh served in the Assam Rifles, known as the “Sentinels of the North East.” The force, established in 1835, operates in remote and difficult areas to maintain peace, secure borders and conduct counter-insurgency operations.
Balwant Singh served as a senior Warrant Officer, bringing experience and leadership to his unit. Chandra Mohan Singh was serving as a driver in the convoy and was carrying out an important logistical responsibility by transporting personnel or supplies through a region where movement is both essential and risky.
The two soldiers leave behind their families, including parents, spouses and children. Tributes were paid by Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Governor and others, who also assured support to the families and promised firm action.
The convoy was attacked in a forested and hilly stretch of Ukhrul district, a Tangkhul Naga-dominated area. Initial reports said the militants first triggered IED blasts before opening sustained gunfire.
Police and Assam Rifles teams from Ukhrul and Shangshak quickly reached the area and launched joint cordon-and-search operations. Ukhrul Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Marchang W confirmed the two fatalities and said joint search operations were underway. Inquest proceedings also began following the incident.
No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah) denied any involvement and suggested the attack could have been carried out by a breakaway “Eastern Flank” faction or other elements. The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and the Indo-Naga peace process. Security forces have continued search operations with additional reinforcements deployed.
The ambush comes against the backdrop of Manipur’s continuing ethnic violence, which began in May 2023 with clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities over issues including tribal status demands, land rights, political representation and demographic concerns. More than 200–250 people have lost their lives, thousands have been displaced and the violence has left deep divisions across the state.
By 2026, the situation had become more complex with growing clashes between Kuki and Naga groups from February 2026 onwards over territory, residency and influence in the hill districts.
Ukhrul district has also witnessed the impact of the conflict, including reports of abductions, retaliatory violence and attacks on civilians. Earlier reports said six Naga civilians were killed, leading to public protests. The July 6 attack on security forces has raised concerns that it could further affect ongoing peace efforts.
On July 7, thousands of women from Naga and Meitei communities gathered at Khwairamband Ima Market in Imphal for a mass sit-in protest organised by the Naga People’s Union Imphal and other groups. The protesters demanded justice for victims from all communities, including Nagas who were killed and Meiteis who remain missing, while calling for an end to the violence. Convenor NG Akhiu and others stressed the need for unity and peace.
Several factors continue to shape the situation in Manipur. These include long-standing ethnic disputes over resources, administrative autonomy and historical grievances, including memories of Naga-Kuki clashes during the 1990s. The presence of active and dormant militant groups, including different NSCN factions, has further complicated the security situation. Officials, including ADM Polly Makan, have condemned the violence, while ongoing inquests and public protests reflect continuing concerns over law and order and public confidence. The deaths of Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh also highlight the risks faced by security personnel during convoy movements in sensitive areas and the continuing need for better intelligence and infrastructure.
