Imphal, Nov 13: An Assam Rifles Colonel, his family members and three jawans were killed in an ambush staged by unidentified militants in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Saturday, police said.
According to unofficial sources, the driver of the Colonel’s vehicle was also gunned down, taking the overall death toll to seven.
Details of ambush
Police said the incident took place near Sehken village under the jurisdiction of Behiang Police Station in Churachandpur district as the heavily armed militants fired upon the convoy of Colonel Viplav Tripathi of 46 Assam Rifles at around 10.30 AM, killing him, his wife, their son and three Quick Reaction Team jawans on the spot.
Sources said there was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast before heavy firing from both sides of the road.
The militants attacked the convoy when Colonel Viplav Tripathi was returning after visiting a forward camp, where he had gone on November 12, 2021.
So far, no militant organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack but Manipur-based terrorist group People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is believed to be behind the attack.
Sources claimed that at least four insurgent groups got together to carry out the ambush.
The police and security forces have launched a massive search operation to nab the militants.
Manipur has over 40 outlawed insurgent groups.
Assam Rifles issues statementÂ
The Assam Rifles issued statement affirming the ambush and the death of 5 soldiers and two civilians.
“Five soldiers including Colonel Viplav Tripathi, Commanding Officer of 46 Assam Rifles, have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The family of the Commanding Officer – wife and child – also lost their lives. DG and all ranks of Assam Rifles offer condolences to the brave soldiers and families,” the Assam Rifles said in a statement.
Lt Gen PC Nair, AVSM, YSM, DG Assam Rifles conveys heartfelt condolences to the families of our Brave Soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/fDa4c9BgsC
— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) November 13, 2021
PM Modi condemns the ambush
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and condemned the attack on the Assam Rifles convoy through his twitter handle.
He tweeted: “Strongly condemn the attack on the Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur. I pay homage to those soldiers and family members who have been martyred today. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness.”
Strongly condemn the attack on the Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur. I pay homage to those soldiers and family members who have been martyred today. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 13, 2021
