Manipur MP Files Police Complaint Against X User Over "Ambush" Post

BJP MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba has alleged a malicious social media post damaged his reputation

Imphal:

Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba of the BJP has submitted a police complaint against a user on X regarding what he described as a defamatory post targeting him following Friday's attack on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur.

The ambush by unidentified militants in Bishnupur district's Nambol Sabal Leikai, located in a valley region, resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. According to the Defence Ministry, no organization has yet claimed responsibility for the assault.

The complaint, filed by the MP's personal secretary Maisnam Shivadutta, states that an X user named Shalini Shukla posted a photo of Mr. Leishemba with an inflammatory caption designed to damage his reputation.

"I am enclosing a photocopy of a misleading tweet by Shalini Shukla regarding the recent ambush on AR [Assam Rifles] personnel at Nambol Sabal Leikai on the evening of September 19, 2025," stated the complaint addressed to both the police chief and the cyber crime unit.

Lodged Written Complaints today to DGP, Manipur & Cyber Crime Police, Manipur against the Misleading & Baseless Tweet by Ms. Shalini Shukla upon me in connection with Yesterday 's Nambol Ambush on Assam Rifles .@manipur_police@manipurgovernment pic.twitter.com/rHcTM2r5uO

— Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba. (@MaharajaManipur) September 20, 2025

"The tweet includes the photograph of Hon'ble MP (R/S), Manipur implying as the leader of Arambai Tenggol and expressing anti-national passages. This serious offense tarnishes the image of a public leader and constitutes character assassination of a Member of Parliament. This attempt to defame Hon'ble MP (R/S) Manipur is in extremely poor taste," the complaint asserted, requesting that authorities charge Ms. Shukla according to law.

Police sources indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the account may be an impersonation, with the operator potentially not matching the profile identity.

Governor Conducts Security Review

On Saturday, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a high-level meeting to discuss strengthening security measures in vulnerable and sensitive areas of Manipur following the Nambol ambush.

"After yesterday's heinous attack on Assam Rifles, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed the current security situation during a meeting at Raj Bhavan this evening," an official statement revealed.

Senior state government officials and high-ranking police personnel attended the meeting.

"The discussion emphasized the need for coordinated action among all security agencies to ensure swift identification of the perpetrators. It was also determined that security arrangements must be reinforced in vulnerable and sensitive areas, including highways, transit routes and border zones," the Raj Bhavan statement noted.

Following yesterday's heinous attack on Assam Rifles, the Governor of Manipur, chaired a high-level security review meeting at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, with senior officers from the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, Police and Intelligence agencies. The meeting deliberated on the need... pic.twitter.com/URSmYZWJv5

— RAJ BHAVAN, MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) September 20, 2025

Discussions also covered enhanced patrolling, intensified intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency coordination.

"The governor expressed profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred soldiers, acknowledging their unwavering courage and dedication in protecting the nation," a previous statement mentioned.

Mr. Bhalla subsequently visited the Assam Rifles' Garrison in Imphal's Mantripukhri to pay his final respects to the two fallen soldiers - Nb Sub Shyam Gurung and Rfn Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Various police and military personnel, including Manipur DGP, BSF DIG and CRPF IG, also paid tribute during a wreath-laying ceremony.

Hundreds of Manipur residents, including those from Nambol where the ambush occurred, demonstrated on the streets condemning the terror attack. People in Churachandpur district held candlelight vigils.

Armed forces veterans organized solidarity and prayer meetings across multiple locations - Imphal, Senapati, Chandel, Tamenglong, and Kanglatombi.

Armed Forces Veterans at 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒍 (𝑲𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒂 𝑾𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑮𝒂𝒕𝒆) organized a Solidarity & Prayer meet for the 2 Martyrs who were brothers in arms.We could reach out to some distant districts.- Candle light solidarity prayers have been organised by 𝒐𝒖𝒓... pic.twitter.com/S8usiZ4sV1

— CLM (@ColLimaMike) September 20, 2025

KNO And UPF Statements

The two organizations representing 24 Kuki, Zomi and Hmar insurgent groups - Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples Front (UPF) - which signed the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with the state and central governments, suggested "the pattern of such assaults clearly indicates the likely perpetrators," referencing past attacks by valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs) on Assam Rifles.

"As organisations committed to a peaceful political resolution within the constitutional framework, we unequivocally condemn this attack on Assam Rifles..." the two representative bodies declared in a joint statement.

Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the Churachandpur-based civilian organization that works alongside KNO and UPF and participated in recent Delhi discussions with the central government regarding separate administration, alleged that suspected Meitei militants conducted Friday's attack on Assam Rifles soldiers in Nambol.

Attack On Security Forces Unacceptable: Meitei Leepun

The Imphal-based Meitei Leepun expressed deep sorrow over the loss of two brave Assam Rifles jawans and injuries to five others. "We remain grateful to all armed forces stationed in Manipur for their tireless efforts in restoring peace and protecting every community. At this crucial time, people must remember that security forces are here for all, and any attack on them is unacceptable," Meitei Leepun stated.

Manipur Police reported detaining two individuals suspected of involvement in the attack on Assam Rifles soldiers and recovering a Maruti van believed to have been used in the ambush. The vehicle has multiple registered owners, all of whom have been identified. The investigation continues at full pace, according to a police statement released Saturday.