Guwahati: Security forces have achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation of the deadly September 19 ambush on the 33 Assam Rifles convoy at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, with the arrest of two active cadres of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The arrested militants have been identified as Thongram Sadananda Singh alias Ngachik alias Purakpa (18), a resident of Wangbal Heiruthong Leikai in Thoubal district, and S/S Lt Corporal Chongtham Mahesh alias Momo alias Amo Singh (51), a veteran PLA operative from Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal West district.
According to the police, Sadananda Singh was formally arrested in Manipur, while Mahesh, associated with the PLA since 1990, was apprehended in Guwahati, Assam, with the assistance of the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station. Officials said the arrests came close on the heels of the capture of the prime accused in the same case earlier last week. Together, the developments mark a significant step in dismantling the network responsible for the deadly ambush that killed two Assam Rifles personnel and injured five others on September 19. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining members of the militant group involved in the attack.
The ambush has shaken the state and reinforced the Kuki-Zo community’s call for urgent political resolution. In the sustained crackdown, apart from the arrests, significant seizures of weapons and explosives have also taken place.
PROTESTS AND PUBLIC RESPONSE
Protests broke out in the state following the incident, demanding the restoration of peace. The locals of Nambol condemned the attack on the Assam Rifles contingent and staged a demonstration. Meanwhile, the people of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, came together in solemn unity to honour the brave soldiers of the 33 Assam Rifles who lost their lives in the deadly ambush.
A candlelight vigil was held at Kangpokpi district headquarters under the theme “The People of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District Stand United with Our Indian Soldiers, Proud to Be Indian,” organised under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU). Participants lit candles, observed a minute of silence, and offered heartfelt tributes to the two jawans killed and showed solidarity to the five grievously injured soldiers.
Significantly, the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) had earlier announced a total shutdown on September 21. In the wake of the killings, CoTU announced a three-day economic blockade across Kangpokpi district, effective from midnight of September 22 till the midnight of September 25 as a mark of solidarity and disappointment.
CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen strongly criticised the failure of both the State and Central governments to apprehend the perpetrators even two days after the ambush. “This is a matter of grave national security concern. The inaction of the authorities not only undermines constitutional validity under President’s Rule but also poses a direct threat to the Indian Union itself,” Kipgen said. CoTU further stated that the economic blockade was a measure to register their displeasure over the brutal ambush, the delay in bringing the culprits to justice, and the failure of the Governor to exercise constitutional authority under President’s Rule.
KEY ARRESTS
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September 23: In a joint operation by Imphal West Police, Bishnupur Police, and Assam Rifles, Khodram Ojit Singh, alias Keilal (47), a bailed-out cadre of the proscribed PLA, was arrested in Kameng, Imphal West. Based on his disclosure, forces recovered a cache of arms, including rifles, ammunition, lathode shells, and explosives hidden near Loktak Lake.
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September 24: Two active PLA operatives were arrested. Thongram Sadananda Singh alias Ngachik alias Purakpa (18) of Thoubal district, was arrested in Bishnupur. S/S Lt Corporal Chongtham Mahesh alias Momo alias Amo Singh (51), associated with the PLA since 1990, was arrested in Guwahati with the help of the Guwahati Crime Branch. Authorities described the arrests as a major breakthrough in unravelling the network behind the ambush.
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September 25: Security forces arrested Ningthoukhongjam Robichand Meitei alias Chingshanglakpa alias Goroba (25), an active KCP (PWG) cadre, from Sawombung Bazar in Imphal East. An Aadhaar card was seized from him.
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September 26: Khangembam Thoiba Singh alias Thoi (48), an active RPF/PLA cadre from Bishnupur, was arrested at Tera Urak checkpoint. He was allegedly monitoring and sharing security force movement details. Konthoujam Opendro Singh (52), an active KYKL cadre, was arrested from Sawombung Community Hall, Imphal East. He was involved in extortion from government institutions such as Manipur University, the Industrial Department, and schools.
SECURITY AND MOBILITY MEASURES
Security forces have bolstered highway protection, establishing 114 checkpoints across hill and valley districts. 261 vehicles carrying essentials moved safely along NH-37 under armed escort. Search operations and aerial surveillance with drones were expanded to fringe and vulnerable zones. Officials confirmed that coordinated operations will continue, with several insurgent hideouts under surveillance. Forces remain focused on dismantling militant logistics and preventing further attacks.
Along with the security operations, a tripartite meeting among representatives of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Manipur, and Kuki National Organisation/KNO and United People’s Front/UPF was also held in New Delhi. The meeting concluded with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement on re-negotiated terms and conditions (ground rules) which will be effective from the day of the signing of the agreement for a period of one year. The ambush has brought the security issue back to the forefront as Manipur has seen violence after a period of relative calm.
