Imphal, July 6 -- Two personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles were killed in a suspected militant ambush near Nungshang Kong (Lungshang River) in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Monday, prompting a massive search operation by security forces.

The attack reportedly took place at around 3:50 p.m., about 17 km from the Ukhrul district headquarters, when the personnel were returning to the 40 Assam Rifles' Shangshak Battalion headquarters.

The deceased were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar C.M. Singh, who was driving the vehicle. Both were killed in the ambush.

Security personnel retaliated, triggering an exchange of fire that reportedly lasted for nearly two hours. Farmers working in nearby paddy fields fled the area during ...