Manipur: Two Arrested for Involvement in Deadly Assam Rifles Ambush
Security forces have apprehended two individuals from the outlawed People's Liberation Army (PLA) in connection with an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur's Bishnupur district that occurred on September 19. This attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to five others.
The suspects have been identified by police as Thongram Sadananda Singh, also known as Ngachik or Purakpa, aged 18, and self-proclaimed Lt. Corporal Chongtham Mahesh, also referred to as Momo or Amo Singh, aged 51.
Authorities reported that Mahesh, a veteran member of the PLA with ties dating back to 1990, was captured in Guwahati, Assam, with the help of the city's Crime Branch. However, officials did not disclose the location where Sadananda Singh was detained.
The ambush occurred at Nambol Sabal Leikai in the Bishnupur district, where armed militants attacked a vehicle from the 33 Assam Rifles, leading to the fatalities and injuries.
These arrests follow closely on the heels of the capture of the main suspect in the attack, who was apprehended in Kameng, located in Imphal West district. According to police sources, the PLA primarily operates out of neighboring Myanmar, where it maintains several camps and bases.
Security forces have been actively conducting search operations across Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This conflict has resulted in the loss of over 260 lives and the displacement of thousands.
In response to the extended unrest, the central government imposed President's Rule in Manipur earlier this year following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The state assembly, which has a mandate lasting until 2027, remains in suspended animation.
