Suspected militants ambushed the advance security convoy of Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh in Kangpokpi district on Monday morning, leaving a police commando injured.

The convoy was on its way to arson-hit Jiribam to oversee security arrangements ahead of Singh's proposed visit to the affected area.

The attack took place in the T. Laijang area near Kotlen village on NH37 in Kuki-Zo majority Kangpokpi district, about 36km from Imphal, around 10.45am.

The attack once again brought to the forefront the prevailing precarious security situation in the state since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo communities on May 3 last year despite the heavy deployment of central forces. Jiribam is about 225km from Imphal.

The security convoy, comprising about 30-40 personnel, came under fire from a nearby hilltop. Moirangthem Ajesh, a 28-year-old Manipur police commando who was driving one of the vehicles, suffered bullet injuries. His condition is said to be stable.

The convoy included special security group (SSG) personnel, mostly comprising CISP attached to the CM’s security, officials said.

Biren Singh is a Z–Plus protectee which is the highest level of protection and security provided by the Centre based on threat perception.

He was likely to visit Jiribam on Tuesday but there has been no official confirmation.

Singh visited the Shija hospital to meet the injured security personnel.