Assam Rifles Commandant, his wife, son among 7 killed in ambush

The commanding officer of 46 Assam Rifles, his two family members and four jawans were killed after their convoy came under heavy attack by militants in Churachandpur district of Manipur on Saturday. Five jawans were also injured in the attack.

Sources said the incident occurred at around 10 am near S Sehken village under Behiang police station, which is located close to pillar number 43 on the India-Myanmar border.

Commanding Officer Viplav Tripathi, accompanied by his wife and 9-year-old son, was reportedly returning to his base from the Behiang company post when their convoy was ambushed.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack till now, unconfirmed reports said that the proscribed outfit People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur may be behind it.

Behiang village is situated near the India-Myanmar border, about 122 km from Imphal. Due to its strategic importance, the state government has been considering ideas to develop the place as the second trade corridor to South-East Asian countries after Moreh town.

Strongly condemning the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “…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.”

Defence Minister Rajnath 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.

Also condemning the attack, Manipur Chief Minister 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.”

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said a person from Chhattisgarh was killed in the attack. “His sacrifice won’t go in vain. I extend my condolences to the family,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the government for its “failure” to prevent the attack. “Manipur attack again proves that the Modi government is incapable of protecting the nation,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Source: The Indian Express