20 jawans massacred in ambuscade
Elite strike unit of naga army of NSCN/GPRN, KYKL and KCP claim responsibility; PM, HM & defence minister condemn ambush
Source: Hueiyen News Service / BL Khu'

Imphal/Tengnoupal, June 04 2015 : Around 20 personnel of 6 Dogra Regiment were killed in an ambush by armed groups in Tengnoupal�New Somtal road under Chandel District of Manipur while the jawans were heading towards Tengnoupal.

The "Elite Strike Unit of Naga Army" of NSCN/GPRN, KYKL and KCP in a joint statement claimed responsibility for the ambush.

It is said that 20 personnel were killed and 12 others wounded.

Five vehicles were destroyed.

The operations led by "Elite strike Unit" lasted from 6 am till around 10 am.

The statement said that the "joint offensive was launched in sync with each corresponding assertion for self-determination and sovereignty" .

Meanwhile Paresh Barua, leader of the anti talk ULFA(I) had also claimed responsibility for the attack.

He reportedly told the media in Guwahati and claimed that NSCN (K) Chief Khapalng "ordered" the ambush.

Security personnel inspecting the spot of the ambush

Talking to the media Home Minister Gaikhangam said that the Government condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

The initial reports said that 16 personnel and one militant were killed.

He added that the death toll was likely to increase.

Because of such violent incidents the AFSPA cannot be withdrawn from Manipur, said the Home Minister.

The ambush should not be treated as a State issue since it took place near the international border.

It should be a national issue, added Gaikhangam.

He promised all assistances in smoking out the "militants responsible for the attack" .

Reports said that the personnel were coming from their Moltuk camp probably heading for Tengnoupal when they were attacked near Luihaolon about 1 km away from Brandon village.

It is said that during the time of the ambush, several villagers were out of their homes for fishing, hunting and other family chores including collection of firewood.

Local MLA Nunglung Victor had gone there since the villagers out in the mountains may be unsafe during the operations.

Charred weapons belonging to the jawans

Initial reports said that when the armed cadres ambushed the convoy, one JCO, 7 officers, one signal constable and one driver were killed on the spot.

About 15 others were airlifted to the military hospital at Leimakhong, Manipur.

Reinforcements rushed to the affected areas.

However, the officials fear that the armed cadres cannot be accounted for since they are believed to have escaped to the no man's land soon after the bloodbath.

Officials described the ambush as the worst in terms of casualties in the last ten years.

Narendra Modi, Defence Minister, Orgns condemn
"Today's mindless attack in Manipur is very distressing.

I bow to each and every soldier who has sacrificed his life for the Nation", said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar too condemned the attack on the Army personnel in Manipur on Thursday and assured that those who have committed this cowardly act will be brought to book.

He said the Army will continue to work towards bringing peace and normalcy to the State.

The Minister has conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the brave Army men who lost their lives today.

As an aftermath of the attack, Rajnath Singh Union Home Minister chaired a high-level meeting which was attended by the Defence Minister, Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag; National Security Advisor Ajit Doval among others.

The Central Government directed security forces in Nagaland and Manipur to be on high alert to prevent any attempt by the militants to cause any more havoc.