Imphal : Security forces have launched a large-scale search operation in Manipur’s Ukhrul district to track down those responsible for the ambush that killed two Assam Rifles personnel earlier this week, officials said on Saturday.

The coordinated operation, involving the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF) and Manipur Police, began on Friday in the Nungshang area following the July 6 attack in which two Assam Rifles personnel lost their lives after suspected militants opened fire on a convoy in the Nungshong Khong area under Ukhrul Police Station.

The deceased personnel were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar C.M. Singh.

According to security officials, joint teams are carrying out intensive combing operations across residential localities, vulnerable stretches of roads and forested areas surrounding the attack site. The operation aims to trace the attackers, recover hidden arms and ammunition caches, and prevent any further militant activity in the region.

Assam Rifles said the operation reflects the security forces’ commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of civilians in the district.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the force said security personnel are conducting coordinated searches and area domination exercises to identify those involved in the ambush and bring them to justice.

Officials said additional security measures have also been put in place in sensitive locations across Ukhrul district to prevent any escalation of violence and to reassure local residents.

The attack has triggered concern among security agencies operating in Manipur, where forces have remained on high alert amid continuing efforts to restore peace and normalcy following months of ethnic unrest and sporadic militant activity.

Meanwhile, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah [NSCN (IM)] has denied any role in the ambush.

In a statement issued after the attack, the Naga insurgent group said it had no connection with the incident and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement signed with the Centre and the ongoing peace process.

The organisation also condemned actions that could undermine dialogue efforts and urged all stakeholders to act responsibly in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Security agencies have not officially attributed responsibility for the ambush to any particular militant group and investigations into the incident are continuing.

The latest operation comes amid intensified security measures across Manipur, where forces have been conducting regular search operations, area domination exercises and intelligence-based missions in vulnerable and fringe areas.

Since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023, security forces have maintained an extensive presence across several districts of the state. The conflict has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of people, leading to one of the most prolonged periods of unrest in Manipur in recent years.

Authorities have repeatedly stated that counter-insurgency operations and coordinated security actions will continue to curb militant activities, recover illegal weapons and create conditions for the safe return of normalcy.

Officials said the ongoing search operation in Ukhrul district will continue until those responsible for the deadly ambush are identified and apprehended.