Manipur: Prime Accused in Assam Rifles Ambush Apprehended
Security forces in Manipur arrested the prime accused in the deadly ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy that occurred on 19 September at Nambol Sabal Leikai (Bishnupur district). Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and several others injured in the attack. The arrested man — identified as Khomdram Ojit Singh (alias Keilal), 47 — reportedly admitted to being an active member of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and has implicated others; acting on his disclosure, police and joint security teams recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition. Follow-up raids and searches are underway to round up co-accused.
On September 19, a column of the 33 Assam Rifles moving on National Highway-02 near Nambol Sabal Leikai (Bishnupur district) was ambushed. The attack resulted in the deaths of Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Kumar Kashyap, and left several other jawans injured. The ambush, which reportedly took place in the late afternoon as convoy vehicles were returning towards Imphal, set off a major security response in the valley and hill districts
The arrest: who was detained and how
In the early hours of September 24, a joint operation by the District Police of Imphal West, Bishnupur police, 33 Assam Rifles and other security elements launched a raid in the Kameng area of Imphal West. During that operation, officers arrested Khomdram Ojit Singh alias Keilal (47). According to police statements, Singh immediately confessed to being an active — and previously bailed-out — member of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and admitted to having taken part in the September 19 ambush.
- One A4 rifle with four magazines,
- One HK (Heckler & Koch) rifle with two magazines,
- Two AK-style rifles with five magazines,
- One INSAS rifle with three magazines,
- Large quantities of ammunition for AK, M16 and INSAS rifles (hundreds of rounds), and
- Three lathode shells (improvised explosive components), along with mobile phones and identity documents reportedly linked to the attackers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was arrested in connection with the ambush on the Assam Rifles convoy?
Authorities arrested Khomdram Ojit Singh (alias Keilal), 47, identified as the prime accused in the September 19 ambush. He reportedly admitted to being an active, bailed-out member of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
2. How many casualties were there in the ambush?
The ambush on September 19 killed two Assam Rifles personnel and injured several others (reports cite five injured). The attack occurred near Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district.
3. What weapons were recovered after the arrest?
Security forces recovered a substantial cache — including an A4 rifle, an HK rifle, two AK-type rifles, an INSAS rifle, several magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and improvised explosive items — based on leads from the arrested suspect
4. Is this linked to a known insurgent group?
Police statements say the arrested man admitted affiliation with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a proscribed valley-based insurgent group. Investigations are probing the depth of organizational involvement.
5. What happens next in the investigation?
Investigators will pursue ballistic matches, phone and digital forensics, follow-up raids to detain other suspects, and legal action based on the evidence gathered. Authorities have indicated that operations will continue until all perpetrators are brought to justice
