An Assam Rifles soldier was killed and four others were injured after suspected militants opened fire on a patrol party near the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Tuesday.
According to officials cited by PTI, the incident took place near Nampong Nallah in the Nampong Circle at around 6:30 am. The troops were reportedly carrying out a routine patrol in a sensitive border area where fencing work is underway.
The deceased soldier has been identified as 42-year-old Havildar Jankhokai Kuki. Four other personnel sustained injuries in the sudden attack and were given initial medical assistance before being shifted to a hospital for further treatment.
Patrol Party Came Under Sudden Fire
The Assam Rifles personnel were reportedly targeted while conducting a routine patrol near the border. The attackers allegedly opened fire without warning, triggering an exchange of gunfire in the area.
The location is considered sensitive because of its proximity to the international border and ongoing fencing-related work.
NSCN Faction Suspected
Initial intelligence inputs have pointed towards the involvement of militants linked to the NSCN (K-YA) faction, according to officials. The attackers are suspected to have used the dense forest terrain to move away from the area and possibly cross towards Myanmar.
Following the incident, security agencies launched an operation to track down those responsible.
Joint Search Operation Underway
Security forces and local police have launched a large-scale search operation in the surrounding forest areas. The region has been placed under heightened security following the attack.
Authorities are also monitoring the India-Myanmar border closely amid concerns over the movement of insurgent groups operating in the wider Northeast region.
Further details about the identities of the attackers and the exact circumstances of the ambush are awaited as the security operation continues.
