Two More PLA Militants Arrested for Assam Rifles Convoy Ambush in Manipur

Security forces in Manipur have apprehended two additional cadres of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in connection with the deadly September 19 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Bishnupur district.

The arrested militants have been identified as Thongram Sadananda Singh alias Ngachik alias Purakpa (18) from Thoubal district and Chongtham Mahesh alias Momo (51) from Imphal West. Mahesh, a senior PLA cadre active since 1990, was arrested in Guwahati with the assistance of the Crime Branch Police Station. Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of Singh’s arrest.

These arrests follow the September 24 apprehension of the prime accused, Khomdram Ojit Singh alias Keilal (47) of Imphal West, during a joint operation involving Imphal West Police, Bishnupur Police, 33 Assam Rifles, and other security forces in the Kameng area. Police investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other operatives involved in the ambush.

On September 19, heavily armed PLA militants attacked an Assam Rifles patrol, killing two personnel instantly and seriously injuring five others. The state administration and security officials, including Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, strongly condemned the attack.

PLA operates primarily from bases across the Myanmar border, and the organization has been involved in multiple violent incidents in Manipur. Security forces have intensified search operations following ethnic violence in the state, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023. The Centre had imposed President’s rule in Manipur after the resignation of the former Chief Minister, placing the state Assembly under suspended animation.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to tracking down all individuals involved in the ambush and restoring law and order across Manipur.