Imphal: Joint security forces on Tuesday apprehended three suspects during intelligence-based operations in the TM Kasom, Litan and Sikibung areas of Manipur’s Ukhrul district as the search continued for those behind the deadly July 6 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy.
According to a statement issued by Manipur Police, the coordinated operations were launched in response to the IED blast and gunfire attack near Nungshangkong village that killed two Assam Rifles personnel.
The Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Manipur Police, carried out combing operations across residential areas, vulnerable routes and surrounding forests to trace the attackers and recover any hidden caches.
Police said normal life remained largely unaffected despite the heightened security presence. Farming activities continued, shops remained open and traffic on National Highway-202 moved without disruption.
On July 6, heavily armed militants detonated multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on both sides of a bridge as an Assam Rifles convoy passed before opening fire. Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh were killed in the attack.
The NSCN-IM, which has a strong presence in Ukhrul district, has denied any involvement in the incident and condemned the attack, citing its ongoing ceasefire agreement with the Centre.
Police said search operations are continuing as the investigation progresses.