IMPHAL | The Manipur government on July 8 paid tribute to two Assam Rifles personnel who were killed in an ambush by unidentified armed assailants in Ukhrul district earlier this week, with a wreath-laying ceremony held at Imphal International Airport.

The ceremony, organised by the Assam Rifles, saw senior state officials, security personnel and military officers gather to honour the sacrifice of the two soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, Additional Director General of Police L Dorjee, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) Major General Gaurav Sharma, Inspector General of Police, CRPF, Rajendra Narayan Dash, and other senior civil, police and military officials laid wreaths and paid floral tributes to the fallen personnel.

The deceased were identified as Warrant Officer Balwan Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh of the 40th Battalion of the Assam Rifles. Both personnel were killed on July 6 when their convoy came under attack while travelling through Ukhrul district.

According to police officials, the incident occurred at around 1.40 pm as a convoy of the 40th Battalion was returning to its base at Shangshak. The attack resulted in fatal injuries to the two soldiers, who died on the spot.

Speaking to India Today NE, Officer-in-Charge of Ukhrul Police Station Inspector Marchang W said the convoy was ambushed while en route to Shangshak.

“An ambush attack took place on the 40 Assam Rifles convoy on July 6 at approximately 1.40 pm while they were travelling to their base in Shangshak. Two personnel-Warrant Officer Balwan Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh-sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot,” he said.

Senior police officers, including the Superintendent of Police and Additional Superintendent of Police, rushed to the area immediately after the incident and secured the site.

A joint search operation involving personnel of the Manipur Police and the Assam Rifles from Ukhrul and Shangshak was launched soon after the attack. Security forces have since intensified combing operations in the surrounding areas to trace those responsible.

Officials said no arrests have been made so far, and investigations into the ambush remain underway.

The wreath-laying ceremony was held amid persistent rain, lending a sombre atmosphere to the final farewell. Security personnel stood in silent tribute as state leaders and military officials honoured the courage and service of the two soldiers.

The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges in Manipur’s hill districts, where security forces continue to conduct operations against armed groups and work to maintain stability in sensitive areas.

Authorities said efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators are continuing, with security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance across the region.