As many as seven including Assam Rifles Commanding Officer (CO), his wife, son and driver were killed on spot in an ambush in Churachandpur district, Manipur near Indo-Myanmar border today morning.
COL of 46 Assam rifles, Viplav Tripathi, his wife Anuja Tripathi, his six year old son Abir Tripathi, driver and as many as three Quick Response Team (QRT) personnel are among the deceased.
As per reports, People Liberation Army (PLA), a valley-based group of Manipur is behind the ambush which took place today between 10 am to 10.30 am in Sehken village along the Behiang-Myanmar border close to Myanmar.
The broad daylight ambush took place when CO Tripathi along with his family was returning from Behiang today.
Tripathi went to his Behiang Coy post on November 12 to take a stalk of a civic action that the Assam Rifles had conducted in the area.
On receiving information, a police team led by Superintendent of police (SP) Churachandpur, Shivanand Surve, IPS and OC Behiang rushed to the spot to conduct further investigation.
It is to be noted that this is the first time a militant group has went on to target even family members of Army personnel and as such an ambush is unprecedented in nature.
It may be mentioned that recently the security forces have seized a huge consignment of bomb making materials.
This indicates the fact that the valley-based group are extremely active in the area.
Meanwhile, state Chief Minister N.Biren Singh and Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh have strongly condemned the cowardly attack.
“Strongly condemn the cowardly attack on a convoy of 46 AR which has reportedly killed few personnel including the CO & his family at CCpur today. The State forces & Para military are already on their job to track down the militants. The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” CM Biren Singh tweeted.
“The cowardly attack on an Assam Rifles convoy in Churachandpur, Manipur is extremely painful & condemnable. The nation has lost 5 brave soldiers including CO 46 AR and two family members. My condolences to the bereaved families. The perpetrators will be brought to justice soon,” Minister Rajnath Singh.
Investigation on the matter is underway.
Further details are awaited into the tragic incident.
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