MPA's bomb attack kills two AR men, 1 civilian
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2012: At least two Assam Rifles personnel and a civilian have been killed while five other AR personnel and two civilians sustained injuries in a seris bomb blasts triggered by suspected MPA cadres of the UNLF at Kwatha village, Chandel district near the Indo-Myanmar border.

The bombs, totalling seven and planted 20 feet apart exploded in series at around 1.15 pm today killing the two AR personnel and one villager.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the PRO, Hqs IG AR (South) said that the CorCom was behind the IED blasts at Kwatha Khunou and said four AR men were hurt.

The injured were evacuated by Assam Rifles to a hospital at Imphal.

Two AR personnel identified as Rifleman Jagendra Kaushik from Uttarakhand and Rifleman Kewal Singh from Rajasthan succumbed to injuries and four other jawans were also injured.

Police inspecting the blast site and the crater left by the explosion

The bombs were planted at Kwatha Khunou Lamkhai on the road leading to Kwatha village at a spot about 4 Kms away from NH 2.A team of 24 Assam Rifles posted at Kwatha village was passing by the road when the bombs exploded suddenly with a loud bang.

One civilian was immediately killed on the spot while six AR personnel sustained injuries.

The deceased civilian was one Ningthoujam Sanajao (36) of Kwatha Khunou.

The injured were airlifted by helicopter to Red Shield hospital at Leimakhong.

But two AR personnel succumbed to the injuries.

The two injured civilians have been identified as Angom (O) Kaboklei (45) w/o Ito of Kwatha Khunou and Angom (O) Ritu alias Akoi (30) w/o Tomaljao of Kwatha Khunou.

After the blast, the AR team took position and opened fire.

As such, it cannot be confirmed yet whether the civilians were injured due to the bomb blast or due to firing by AR troops.

It is reported that a police team led by the Moreh SDPO have moved in to the blast site.

Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles condemned the 'barbaric action' carried out by CorCom whose cadres instead of directly facing the security forces preferred to target civilians and Assam Rifles in cowardly manner.

The bomb attack showed the frustration among insurgent groups who are frustrated because of large number of their cadres deserting their camps and surrendering to the security force.

The recent surrender ceremony at Hqs IG AR (South) and peace initiative by various groups with security forces bear testimony to the fact that many UGs/groups have shown their faith in the security forces and State Government and trust them to resolve all issued peacefully.

Assam Rifles would not be deterred by such violent and nefarious actions of the UGs and would continue to encourage misguided youths to join the mainstream.

AR also appealed to all UG groups and their cadres to come forward willingly for peace talks.