Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Army’s Eastern Command chief Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari on Saturday led rich tributes to two Assam Rifles personnel killed in an ambush in Bishnupur district.
Fallen Heroes Identified
Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amit Shukla said heartfelt homages were paid to Naib-Subedar Shyam Gurung (59) and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap (36), who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Both soldiers were returning from flood relief operations in Imphal Valley on Friday when unidentified insurgents ambushed their convoy near Nambol Sabal Leikai along the Imphal–Dimapur National Highway (NH-2).
Ceremony at Mantripukhri Garrison
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at Mantripukhri Garrison, Imphal, under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South).
Around 150 personnel, including dignitaries, troops, and veterans, attended the event. Senior officials from the Assam Rifles, Directorate General Assam Rifles (DGAR), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Border Security Force (BSF), and Manipur Police also paid their respects.
Veterans and ex-servicemen gathered to show solidarity, reflecting the enduring spirit of camaraderie that binds the armed forces community.
Honouring Valour and Sacrifice
Lt Col Shukla said that despite sustaining grievous injuries, both Gurung and Kashyap upheld the highest traditions of courage and selflessness.
“Assam Rifles stands in solemn remembrance of its fallen heroes, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to honouring the legacy of those who serve with distinction. The force continues to uphold the values of patriotism, duty, and service to the nation,” the Defence PRO said.
Political Leaders Condemn Attack
The ambush, which also left five others injured, drew widespread condemnation from political and social leaders.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, state Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh, and leaders of various parties and organisations — including the apex tribal body Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) — strongly denounced the attack by unidentified gunmen on the Assam Rifles convoy.