Breakthrough in Assam Rifles ambush; key suspect nabbed in Manipur

**Breakthrough in Assam Rifles Ambush: Key Suspect Nabbed in Manipur**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 24, 2025, 02:26 pm*

The Manipur police have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the deadly ambush on Assam Rifles personnel that took place on September 19. The attack, which occurred in Nambol, Bishnupur district, targeted a convoy of the 33 Assam Rifles and resulted in the deaths of two soldiers: Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Additionally, five other soldiers sustained injuries.

### Arrest of the Prime Accused

In a joint operation conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, a key suspect, Khomdram Ojit Singh alias Keilal (47), was apprehended. The operation was carried out by the combined forces of Imphal West District Police, Bishnupur Police, the 33 Assam Rifles, and other security agencies in the Kameng area of Imphal West district based on precise intelligence inputs.

Singh is identified as an active member of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Notably, he was out on bail following his earlier arrest on April 22, 2007.

### Confession and Recovery of Arms

During interrogation, Singh confessed to his involvement in the ambush. He disclosed that after the attack, he and his accomplices fled toward Loktak Lake, where they concealed their weapons at a secret location.

Acting on this information, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, which included:

– One A4 rifle
– Two AK rifles
– One INSAS rifle
– Three lathode shells
– 216 rounds of M-16 ammunition
– 67 rounds of INSAS ammunition
– A mobile handset
– A wallet
– An Aadhaar card

### Investigation Progress and Further Actions

Singh is currently undergoing further interrogation. Authorities have identified additional suspects, and follow-up operations are underway to apprehend all individuals involved in the attack.

The Manipur Police Headquarters has emphasized that security operations will continue relentlessly until all perpetrators are brought to justice.

### Context

This attack occurred shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur on September 13, his first visit since violence erupted in the state in May 2023.

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The swift action by the Manipur police and security forces marks a critical step forward in addressing insurgency-related violence in the region. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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