Imphal, 14th November: Post-mortem has done at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal of the martyred soldiers who were killed in a militant attack in the Singhat sub-division of Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The Commanding Officer of an Assam Rifles unit, along with his wife, son, and four other jawans were killed in a militant attack.
The deceased jawans have been identified as Suman Swargiary, Khatnei Konyak, RP Meena, and Shyamal Das.
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
As per the official statement issued by Assam Rifles, the incident took place near Sehken village when insurgents ambushed their convoy. The scene of the ambush, which falls under the limits of the Behiang police station, is not far from the Indo-Myanmar border.
Col. Viplav Tripathi (CO-46 AR), his wife, and his son are believed to have died on the spot, while other jawans injured in the attack were rushed to Behiang Primary Health Centre.
Two outfits, namely the PLA and Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) have claimed responsibility for the ambush in a joint release on Saturday.
“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 convoy,” said the joint release.
It goes on to add, “Indian security forces should not bring their families to a place which has been declared by the Government of India as a disturbed area.”
Also Read: Assam Rifles Commanding Officer and family killed in an ambush in Manipur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among others, condemned the attack and expressed their condolences on Twitter.
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
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
Strongly condemn the attack on a convoy of 46 Assam Rifles in which the CO, his family and other brave soldiers were martyred in Manipur.
I express my deepest condolence with the bereaved families and solidarity with the forces in their fight against terrorism.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 13, 2021
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also condemned the attack on Assam Riffle’s convoy.
Taking to Twitter, he said, “Strongly condemn the cowardly attack on a convoy of 46 AR which has reportedly killed a few personnel including the CO and his family at Churachandpur today. The State forces and Paramilitary are already on their job to track down the militants. 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 (@NBirenSingh) November 13, 2021
