NSCN denies ambush that killed two Assam Rifles in Manipur, says 'committed to ceasefire deal'

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) on Monday denied any involvement in the ambush by suspected militants that killed two Assam Rifles personnel and injured several others in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.

In a statement, the NSCN (IM) said the reported attack, which was allegedly carried out by a breakaway faction ‘East Wing’, was not linked to the organisation.

The group further claimed that there is no “East Wing” in the Naga NSCN/GPRN Army.

“NSCN/GPRN categorically declares that it had no involvement in, nor knowledge of, the said incident,” a statement carried by local media said.

Committed to ceasefire: NSCN

Naga separatists also reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing peace process and ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.

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“The pursuit of an honest and peaceful political solution remains the unwavering commitment of the NSCN/GPRN,” it said.

Naga Peace Agreement

The NSCN and the Government of India signed the Naga Peace Accord in August 2015 to end a decades-long insurgency in northeast India led by a separatist group fighting a decades-long insurgency in the region seeking the creation of a unified Nagalim (Greater Nagaland), Naga sovereignty, a Naga national flag and a Naga constitution.

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“At this crucial juncture, all parties involved must exercise restraint and responsibility to ensure that hard-earned progress towards a peaceful solution is not jeopardized by actions that may breed mistrust and instability,” the NSCN statement added.

Militants attack Assam Rifles convoy

Earlier, two Assam Rifle crewmen were killed after militants attacked a convoy of paramilitary forces in the Nungshang Khong area of Manipur’s Ukhrul district.

“The two dead include a warrant officer and a driver. They died on the spot. The incident took place in Nungshang Khong area, located about 17 km from the district headquarters, under Ukhrul police station limits, when the convoy was returning to the headquarters of 40 Battalion Assam Rifles at Sangshak,” a senior officer told PTI.

After the attack, additional security personnel were deployed in the area and a gunfight took place between central forces and armed militants in a nearby locality, he said.

The site of the incident has been cordoned off and a forensic team has been sent from Imphal to carry out an inspection, the officer said.

In a statement, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the killing and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

He stated that the government will not tolerate such brutal violence and will not remain a mute spectator of these atrocities.

“The culprits responsible for the murder will be arrested and punished in accordance with the laws of the land,” he added.

Minister of State for Home Govindas Konthoujam also condemned the attack on the security forces and said such an incident disturbs peace and harmony in conflict-torn Manipur.

In a post on X, the minister said, “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate ambush of a convoy of 40 Assam Rifles at Nungshang Kong in Ukhrul.”

He exuded confidence that the security forces will take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible for the attack are dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.