KNO, UPF, Kuki-Zo Bodies Condemn Nambol Ambush on Assam Rifles; Candlelight Vigil Held in Lamka, Moreh

The brutal ambush of an Assam Rifles convoy at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district on September 19 has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation from Kuki-Zo organisations, who rallied in solidarity with the fallen soldiers and organised a candlelight vigil in Lamka and Moreh to honour their sacrifice.

Significantly, the deadly attack on the Assam Rifles occurred barely a week after the Prime Minister’s visit to the strife-torn state, and just days after the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM), a valley-based militant outfit, announced a 24-hour statewide shutdown on September 21 in protest against the Merger Agreement of Manipur with India in 1949—an anniversary that falls on September 21.

The convoy of the 33 Assam Rifles, patrolling the valley sector around 5:50 PM, came under heavy gunfire and IED attack. Two personnel—Nb Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap—were killed in action, while five others sustained serious injuries. The site of the attack, barely 18 km from Imphal, lies outside the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), raising fresh questions on security preparedness.

The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples Front (UPF), the umbrella bodies of Kuki-Zo militant groups currently under Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Governments of India and Manipur, have strongly condemned the deadly attack.

The ambush, which took place barely 18 km from the state capital, claimed the lives of two Assam Rifles personnel and left five others critically injured. While no Valley-Based Insurgent Group (VBIG) has officially claimed responsibility, the KNO and UPF stated that the pattern of the assault “clearly indicates the likely perpetrators.”

Rejecting past accusations by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and valley-based civil society organisations like COCOMI, the two groups clarified that the Kuki-Zo community has never engaged in such “dastardly attacks” on the security forces. “The Assam Rifles not only conduct counter-insurgency operations but also contribute significantly to community welfare across valley and hill areas. This incident exposes the false narrative propagated against our people,” the statement read.

The organisations also drew attention to historical records, noting that valley insurgent groups—including the UNLF (P)—were responsible for multiple attacks on the Assam Rifles between 1991 and 2009. They expressed concern that despite signing a peace agreement with the Centre and the state in 2023, the UNLF (P), alongside state police and the Arambai Tenggol, has allegedly been involved in violent campaigns targeting Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.

Reiterating their commitment to peaceful dialogue within the Constitutional framework, the KNO and UPF urged authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further bloodshed.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) strongly condemned the attack, directly blaming Meitei militants. “This cowardly and brutal attack once again exposes the violent, anti-national, and secessionist character of the Meitei militant groups,” said Ginza Vualzong, Secretary of Information & Publicity, KZC.

The council linked the ambush to the 2021 assassination of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife, and young son, also by Meitei militants. It further recalled the ethnic cleansing of Kuki-Zo communities in 2023, where over 250 lives were lost, thousands of homes and churches destroyed, and 40,000 displaced. “The cumulative evidence of violence, discrimination, and oppression makes it abundantly clear that peaceful coexistence under the same administrative framework with the Meiteis is no longer possible,” the KZC asserted, urging New Delhi to pursue a political settlement.

The KSO Churachandpur also strongly condemned the heinous and brutal attack on personnel of the 33 Assam Rifles at Nambol Sabal Leikai on September 19, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to five others.

“This incident has once again highlighted the need for the re-imposition of AFSPA in the valley areas of Manipur state. It is the handiwork of anti-national and secessionist elements whose sole intent is to inflict trauma upon our security forces.”

While we express our profound condolences to the families of our brave soldiers, we urge the concerned authorities to take befitting action against the perpetrators at the earliest. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers, and may the souls of the two departed rest in peace, KSO Churachandpur said.

The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH), apex body of the Kuki tribes in Kangpokpi, expressed profound grief and saluted the fallen soldiers. “Their supreme sacrifice shall never be forgotten. They stood as guardians of peace, laying down their lives in the service of the nation and its people,” the Inpi said.

Calling the ambush a “grave assault on peace, humanity, and the very spirit of our nation,” the Inpi urged swift and decisive action from the authorities. It also prayed for the injured, describing them as the “living flame of our people’s hope and the shield that protects our land.”

The Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi (ZSP), General Headquarters, denounced the “despicable ambush” and called for public solidarity. “Their bravery and commitment ignite a flame of inspiration within us all,” the ZSP declared.

On September 20, a large crowd joined a march from Lamka Public Ground to Peace Ground, Tuibong, culminating in a candlelight vigil to honour Nb Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Speakers at the vigil urged unity and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peace and justice.

A solemn candlelight vigil was also held in Moreh in honor of two brave soldiers of the 33 Assam Rifles who were martyred yesterday in Nambol, Bishnupur District.

The event was attended by various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Moreh, who gathered to pay their respects and express solidarity with the families of the fallen heroes.

The community came together in a moving tribute, lighting candles and observing moments of silence to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldiers in the line of duty.

The incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Manipur, especially as the attack took place in an area free from AFSPA’s extraordinary provisions. It has also reignited debates on the alleged nexus between state forces and valley-based insurgent groups.