Gunmen Attack Paramilitary Convoy on Route Between Patsoi and Nambol; Search Operations Underway
Ambush Details: Attack on Assam Rifles Convoy
Two Assam Rifles soldiers were killed, and five others injured after an ambush by unidentified gunmen on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur, on the evening of September 18, 2025. The attack occurred at approximately 5:50 PM when the paramilitary forces’ 407 Tata vehicle was traveling from the Patsoi company operating base to the Nambol base.
- The gunmen opened fire on the convoy near the Nambol Sabal Leikai area, situated between Imphal and Churachandpur.
- The injured personnel were immediately rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment.
- The attack location is significant as it lies on the same route recently taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Manipur last week.
Official Response and Current Situation
An official statement confirmed the incident:
“The column was ambushed by unidentified terrorists on the highway in the denotified area of Manipur. Two Assam Rifles personnel were martyred, and five others were injured.”
- No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of now.
- Search and combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the armed assailants.
Condemnation from Authorities
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla strongly condemned the attack, expressing profound grief and extending condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The governor emphasized:
“Such acts of violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will be met with the strongest resolve to maintain peace and stability in the region.”
Security Context: AFSPA and Terrorism in Manipur
- The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is currently in force across most of Manipur except for certain valley regions.
- Nambol, the site of the attack, falls under Bishnupur district, which is not covered by AFSPA.
- AFSPA was last extended in March 2025 for six months and is due for review at the end of this month.
Terrorist Groups in Manipur
- Manipur is home to nine banned Meitei terrorist groups listed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- These groups have been responsible for previous attacks on the Assam Rifles, including the high-profile ambush in November 2021 that killed Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family, and three soldiers in Churachandpur district.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | September 18, 2025, 5:50 PM |
| Location | Near Nambol, outskirts of Imphal, Manipur |
| Casualties | 2 Assam Rifles soldiers killed, 5 injured |
| Current Status | Search operations underway |
| AFSPA Status | Not applicable in Nambol, under review soon |
| Government Response | Condemnation and call for peace and stability |
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