PAPPM Condemns Deadly Nambol Ambush and Urges to Shun Violence

The People’s Alliance for Peace & Progress, Manipur (PAPPM), a prominent civil society platform, has voiced deep grief over the fatal ambush on Assam Rifles personnel in Nambol that claimed two lives and left five others wounded on September 19, 2025. In a strongly worded statement, the group extended solidarity to the affected families while decrying all forms of violence amid the state’s ongoing ethnic tensions.

The attack, which occurred in the Nambol area of Bishnupur district, has heightened fears of escalation in fragile security in Manipur. PAPPM emphasized that every loss of life—whether among security forces, militants, or civilians—represents a profound tragedy not just for the region but for India and humanity at large.

“PAPPM unequivocally opposes all forms of violence and killing, whether perpetrated by armed opposition groups or by security forces,” the statement read. The alliance expressed alarm that such incidents could be “engineered or exploited to derail any prospects of peaceful dialogue by interested parties,” warning that violence only breeds misery, fear, and division without addressing underlying grievances.

The group also sharply criticized efforts by “certain vested interests” to pin the blame on entire communities, calling such tactics “dangerous and unjust.” “Collective blame only intensifies mistrust, widens divisions, and pushes people further apart,” it stated. “No community should be vilified for the actions of a few. Such narratives… undermine the shared aspiration for peace and harmony in Manipur.”

Reiterating its commitment to non-violence, PAPPM called for an immediate shift toward political dialogue as the sole viable path to resolution. “Dialogue is neither weakness nor compromise—it is an act of courage and responsibility,” the statement asserted. “It is the only way to address grievances, heal wounds, and build the foundations of a durable political solution.”

The alliance urged all stakeholders, including the Government of India and armed opposition groups, to prioritize human life over conflict and initiate “immediate, sincere, and inclusive steps toward a genuine political process.” It stressed that only through collective resolve can Manipur reclaim peace, harmony, and dignity for its citizens.

The statement was issued by M. Bobby Meetei, President of PAPPM, amid a backdrop of prolonged unrest in Manipur. Security analysts have noted that attacks on forces like the Assam Rifles often complicate peace efforts, though no group has claimed responsibility for the Nambol incident as of Sunday.

Signpost NewsDesk

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