Imphal, Sep 20: Discussions on boosting security arrangements in vulnerable and sensitive areas of Manipur were held on Saturday during a high-level meeting chaired by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in the wake of an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy, which claimed the lives of two personnel.
Two jawans of the Assam Rifles were killed and five others injured when a group of armed men ambushed a vehicle of the paramilitary force in Nambol Sabal Leikai area on Friday evening, officials said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
“Following the heinous attack on Assam Rifles yesterday, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed the prevailing security situation in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan this evening,” an official statement said.
Top state government officials and senior police personnel were present in the meeting.
“The discussion stressed the need for coordinated action among all security agencies to ensure swift identification of the perpetrators. It was also resolved that security arrangements must be further strengthened in vulnerable and sensitive areas, including highways, transit routes and border zones,” the Raj Bhavan statement said.
Deliberations also took place on enhanced patrolling, intensified intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency coordination.
“The governor expressed profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred soldiers, acknowledging their unwavering courage and dedication in protecting the nation,” an earlier statement said.
Bhalla later visited Mantripukhri in Imphal and paid his last respects to the mortal remains of the two soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia each for the families of the two Assam Rifles jawans who were killed in an ambush at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district and Rs 2 lakh each for the five personnel who were injured in the attack, an official statement said.
In a statement, Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar said the state government is deeply concerned about the ambush on personnel of the 33 Assam Rifles on September 19.
He added that the state government strongly condemns the incident and expresses deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in “this cowardly act” and wished “speedy recovery” of the injured.
“In recognition of the sacrifices made by the jawans, the government announces an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the kin of the two soldiers who were killed in the attack and Rs 2 lakh for the five injured personnel. Additionally the government will extend necessary support for their treatment and rehabilitation” the statement said.
Earlier today, locals of Nambol in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Saturday morning staged protests against the killing of two Assam Rifles personnel.
The locals, wearing traditional mourning attire, raised slogans and held placards condemning the attack and for “creating fear and panic among the public”, at a sit-in just 1 km from the ambush spot.
Later, women took out a protest rally denouncing the attack, and criticised the opening of fire in public places.
An uneasy calm prevailed in the state capital Imphal, and Bishnupur district on Saturday morning, with the identity of the perpetrators yet to be known.
Prominent Churachandpur-based organisation Kuki Zo Council also condemned the attack on the paramilitary forces.
The council emphasised that the attack occurred at a place in Imphal Valley where AFSPA was not in force.
