Manipur ambush: Intelligence agencies hint at ‘contract killing’ to undermine President’s rule
Imphal: Intelligence agencies believe the September 19 ambush in Nambol, Manipur state, that killed two Assam Rifles personnel, may have been a politically driven “contract killing” aimed at destabilising Manipur under President’s Rule and pressuring for the reinstatement of the suspended state assembly.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the attack, carried out at Nambol Sabal Leikai, claimed the lives of Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Security forces have since arrested 15 members of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including key suspects Thoungram Sadananda Singh and Khomdram Ojit Singh.
Investigators now suspect the PLA’s central leadership may not have authorised the strike, raising the possibility of rogue elements or external actors orchestrating the assault for political ends.
The ambush marks a serious escalation in a state already battered by ethnic violence since May 2023, which has left over 260 people dead and displaced nearly 50,000. Multiple insurgent groups, including the PLA, UNLF, KYKL and PREPAK, continue to operate across the region, complicating efforts to restore stability.
Authorities say the probe is ongoing, with a focus on identifying who ordered the attack and whether it was part of a larger plan to destabilise Manipur’s administration.
