The Manipur government has announced an ex gratia of `5 lakh each for the next of kin of two Assam Rifles jawans killed in an ambush in Bishnupur on Friday and `2 lakh each for the five injured personnel.
The state’s Home Department, in a statement, said, “In recognition of the sacrifices made by the jawans, the Government announces an ex gratia of `5 lakhs for those who succumbed to injuries (death) and `2 lakhs for those who sustained grievous injuries.” “The Government expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this cowardly act and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Locals staged sit-in protests against the ambush on Assam Rifles personnel at different places, including Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district, where the incident took place. The protesters held placards reading “We are all human”, “No more ambush” and “We want peace”. They said such an attack in civilian areas could put innocent lives at risk.
One of the injured personnel said, “The attackers, numbering around 5, used automatic weapons. We were taken by surprise. We could not retaliate, thinking about the safety of the public.”
An official statement from the Defence PRO said the attack was carried out at an AFSPA-denotified area of Manipur when the vehicle-based column of troops of Assam Rifles was moving on NH 2 in Bishnupur district. “The column came under unprovoked automatic weapon fire from unidentified terrorists on the highway,” it said. A wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Mantripukhri military garrison Saturday evening in honour of the personnel killed in the attack.
On Saturday evening Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla headed a security review meeting attended by the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, and senior officials from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and police. Following the meeting, a statement from the Raj Bhawan stated that it was resolved to further ramp up security in “vulnerable and sensitive areas, including highways, transit routes, and border zones.”
“Enhanced patrolling, intensified intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency coordination were emphasised to prevent such incidents in the future. The Governor underscored that law and order must be maintained with firmness and vigilance across both the valley and hill districts to ensure peace and public safety,” it said.
