An Assam Rifles officer was killed and four personnel were injured after a patrol team came under suspected militant attack near the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Tuesday, officials said.
The incident took place at around 6.30 am near Nampong Nallah under Nampong circle. Personnel from the 21 Assam Rifles were carrying out a patrol in an area where border fencing work is underway when the team came under fire.
Havildar Jankhokai Kuki, 42, was killed in the attack, while four other personnel suffered injuries. They were being evacuated for medical treatment, though their condition was not immediately known.
Security operations stepped up
Security forces have intensified operations in the area following the incident as they work to establish details of the attack and identify those responsible.
Preliminary reports have pointed to the possible involvement of militants affiliated with the NSCN (K-YA). However, there has been no official confirmation so far about the identity or affiliation of the attackers.
An official statement from the Assam Rifles is awaited.
The attack took place in a sensitive stretch of the India-Myanmar border, where security forces have been carrying out patrols and other operations amid the presence and movement of insurgent groups.
Police collecting details
Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu said police had received information about the incident and were working to gather more details.
“We have received information about the incident that took place along the India-Myanmar border and have asked the OC of Changlang police station to collect information related to it," the SP said.
The latest incident has brought renewed focus on security along the Arunachal Pradesh section of the international border. The area has previously witnessed the movement of insurgent groups operating in the northeastern region and across the border.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding Tuesday morning’s firing, including the identity of those involved and the extent of the security operation, are awaited.