Security Measures Heightened After Assam Rifles Ambush in Arunachal Pradesh
Intensified Security Following Deadly Ambush
File image of deceased Havildar Jangkhokai Kuki, a native of Manipur's Kangpokpi (Photo: AT)
Imphal/Guwahati, Sep 30: In response to a recent ambush that resulted in the death of an Assam Rifles havildar and injuries to four others, security measures have been significantly increased in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Officials confirmed that search operations are currently underway.
Additional forces have been dispatched to the region, and surveillance efforts have been intensified along the India-Myanmar border.
The ambush occurred at approximately 6:30 AM on September 29, near Nampong Nallah within the Nampong Circle, when a patrol from the 21 Assam Rifles was targeted by suspected insurgents.
The patrol was engaged in monitoring an area where border-fencing activities were ongoing when the attackers opened fire.
The fallen soldier has been identified as Havildar Jangkhokai Kuki, aged 42, originally from Maphou Kuki village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
Having settled in Nagaland, Kuki had dedicated over twenty years of service to the Assam Rifles.
At the time of the incident, he was stationed in the Changlang sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
Four other personnel from the Assam Rifles sustained injuries during the attack and were promptly evacuated for medical care, although their current condition remains unclear.
Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu stated that the police were informed about the incident and instructed the officer-in-charge of the Changlang police station to gather further details regarding the attack.
In a notable development, the NSCN/GPRN (YA Group) and the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) jointly claimed responsibility for the ambush in a statement released on September 29.
The statement indicated that a combined tactical team from both groups executed what they termed a “joint military action” against the 21 Assam Rifles near Nampong around 6:30 AM.
They asserted that one Assam Rifles member was killed, several others were critically injured, and an AK assault rifle was recovered from the scene.
This claim has not been independently verified.
Initially, officials had suggested the potential involvement of the NSCN-K (YA) faction, but there was no official confirmation regarding the attackers' identities immediately following the ambush.
In the wake of the incident, Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, along with other personnel, paid their respects to Kuki, who lost his life in service.
This attack occurs amidst increased security measures along the India-Myanmar border, where forces are actively conducting patrols and area domination operations alongside ongoing border-fencing efforts.