Manipur Ambush May Have Been a Contract Killing, Say Intelligence Sources

Intelligence agencies have suggested that the ambush in Manipur on September 19, which killed two Assam Rifles personnel, could have been a contract killing planned to discredit the ongoing President’s Rule in the state.

The attack took place at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district when an Assam Rifles convoy was ambushed while moving from Patsoi to Nambol base. Two soldiers — Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap — lost their lives in the incident.

This was the first major attack on security forces in Manipur since the ethnic clashes began in May 2023. No insurgent group has claimed responsibility so far, which has led investigators to believe that the assault may have been carried out with political motives.

Within three days of the incident, 15 people were arrested, including the key suspects Thoungram Sadananda Singh and Khomdram Ojit Singh. Sadananda was earlier a member of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) but had later joined the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). However, the PLA leadership has not claimed responsibility for the attack, raising suspicion that it was not an officially sanctioned operation.

Officials believe that the ambush might have been intended to create the impression that law and order had collapsed under President’s Rule, thereby pressuring the Centre to restore the state government.

Investigators also found that some of the weapons used in the attack could have been looted from police stations during last year’s ethnic violence. A van suspected to have been used by the attackers was recovered near Mutum Yangbi, around 12 km from the ambush site.

Security forces have intensified combing operations across the valley districts. Intelligence reports warn that several insurgent outfits, including the PLA, KYKL, PREPAK, and UNLF, continue to remain active along the India–Myanmar border.

The ongoing probe will focus on uncovering who financed and ordered the attack, amid growing concern that political elements may have used militant networks to achieve their goals.