Gaikhangam condemns ambush
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 04 2015 :
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has condemned the ambush on 6 Dogra Regiment troops at Paraolon village in Chandel district.
Addressing a press conference at his office chamber, Gaikhangam, who also hold Home portfolio, said that the tragic incident happened at around 7.30 this morning.
As per the official report received by the State Government, Gaikhangam said that altogether 17 personnel of 6 Dogra Regiment including one Junior Commission Officer died and 16 others were injured in the incident.
He further said that there is also a report of killing a UG cadre in the incident.
Gaikhangam further said that as per news channel reports and other unconfirmed reports, 20 personnel died and many others were injured in the incident.
He added that some personnel succumbed to injuries at Military Hospital, Leimakhong.
Gaikhangam said that today's incident was one of the worst attacks on security forces in the past 5 to 10 years.
He said, "1 on behalf of the State Government strongly condemn the incident, we must understand and think again that violence will never bring any kind of solution in the State" .
If such incidents continue to happen in the State, the Government would not be in a position to repeal AFSPA.
Although, the State Government has started studying the ways to repeal the controversial Act, such incidents would become a big obstacle towards fulfilling the people's wish, he said.
On behalf of the State Government, Gaikhangam also condoled the deceased personnel and shared grief with the bereaved family members.
He also prayed to the Almighty for speedy recovery of the injured personnel.
Responding to a query on State Government's future course of action in the after-math of the attack, Gaikhangam said that the State Government would do the needful after having discussions with the Army and Assam Rifles.
He said that the State Government would provide State forces personnel if need arises.
Regarding maintaining law and order in hill districts, Gaikhangam said that the State forces would work together with Central forces, army and paramilitary forces.
As today's incident happened in an interior area close to international border, it was not a State issue but a National issue.
Gaikhangam said.
He also said that the Government needs to take up stringent measures to prevent such incidents in future.