Imphal, Nov 14: The proscribed outfits People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) have jointly claimed responsibility for the ambush on a convoy of 46 Assam Rifles near Sehken village in Manipur’s Churachandpur on Saturday.
In a joint press statement, the outfits claimed that six personnel of Assam Rifles, including 46 AR Commanding Officer, Colonel Viplav Tripathi, were killed in the attack, while many were injured.
“Unfortunately, the cadres of the two outfits who carried out the attack were not aware that Colonel Viplav Tripathi’s wife and his son were part of the convey. Indian security forces should not bring their families to a place which has been declared by Government of India as disturbed area,” the release stated.
The militants attacked the convoy when the Colonel of the 46 Battalion of the Assam Rifles was going to supervise a civic action programme in Churachandpur, bordering Myanmar.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath have strongly condemned the killing of 7 people including an Assam Rifles officer and his family members in Manipur ambush.
“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,” PM Modi 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 13, 2021
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also condemned the attack and termed it “cowardly”.
“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,” Defence Minister Singh tweeted.
“My condolences to the bereaved families. The perpetrators will be brought to justice soon,” he added.
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 13, 2021
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the ambush and said the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“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,” N Biren Singh tweeted.
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.
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 13, 2021
He went to Shija Hospital and visited one of the jawans who was seriously injured in the attack.
Visited Shija Hospital to check up on one of the jawans who was badly injured in today’s unfortunate ambush attack. I have directed my officials and hospital authority to provide the best medical care for the jawan.
The sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. pic.twitter.com/ppCAjQFVAs
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 13, 2021
Meanwhile, the security forces have launched massive combing operation against the militant groups.
On the other hand, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Modi government over the terror attack on a convey of Assam Rifles in Manipur alleging the incident “once again proves” that it is incapable of protecting the nation.
He also sent his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.
