Ambush on Assam Rifles triggers massive security operations in Manipur

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).

- NIBIR DEKA GUWAHATI

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 going on 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.

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