DD Thaisii's cavalcade ambushed, providential escape for Education Minister
Gunfire shatters stillness of eco-blockade
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 12 2011: Even as the economic blockade entered its 83rd day today, the stillness of the evening was shattered by the sound of bomb explosion and gun fire, when unidentified gunmen ambushed the cavalcade of Education Minister DD Thaisii while he was on his way to his native place at Purul village in Senapati district.

The incident took place at about 6 pm at Rai Basti, located on the way between Maram and Purul.

The Minister escaped unhurt but an escort personnel attached to the IVth IRB was injured in the ambush.

The injured security man, a Jamadar, has been identified as Sani Mao and his condition is stated to be critical as bomb shrapnels hit him on the neck.

The injured Jamadar was administered first aid at the V Assam Rifles post at Rai Basti and was later taken to Imphal.

DD Thaisii was on his way home to inaugurate a community hall.

He was scheduled to return to Imphal on November 14 .

Inset DD Thaisii and the house of the Education Minister burnt on June 1 last year

After inspecting the mini-sports complex at Senapati district headquarters earlier in the day, the Minister was on his way home at Purul when the gunmen opened fire at his convoy near Rai Basti.

Purul village is located about 20 kms from Maram.

Police source said that the place of the ambush is about 6 kms from Maram and added the gunmen who were probably lying in wait first lobbed a hand grenade towards the cavalcade, injuring the Jamadar.

As soon as the bomb went off, the gunmen opened fire from their positions.

The bullet proof vehicle in which the Minister was travelling was hit a couple of times, said police source and added that Thaisii managed to escape unhurt.

The Minister managed to reach Purul village without further problems.

DD Thaisii was under heavy security cover when the attack took place, said sources.

Apart from the regular security escort provided to him, additional personnel from Senapati police were detailed for escort duty for his journey to Purul.

On receiving reports about the ambush, additional security including the Army and Assam Rifles rushed in from Senapati district headquarters and a search operation was conducted near the place of the ambush.

There is however no report of any arrest at the time of filing this report.

This is the second ambush on a representative of the people this year and significantly both the attacks have come in Naga dominated districts.

On April 15 this year, the cavalcade of the late Wungnaoshang Keishing was ambushed near New Canaan in which six escort personnel were killed.

The MLA had then escaped unhurt.

The NSCN (IM) had later owned up to the attack.

Earlier on June 1 last year, Thaisii's house at Senapati district headquarters was set ablaze in the anti-ADC election stir.