Assam Rifles Jawan Killed in Arunachal Ambush; Four Injured
An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and four others were injured after a patrol team came under fire from suspected militants along the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Tuesday, officials said.
The incident took place at around 6.30 a.m. near Nampong Nallah under Nampong circle, where personnel of the 21 Assam Rifles were patrolling an area where border fencing work is under way, they said.
Preliminary reports suggested that suspected militants opened fire on the patrol team, killing Havildar Jankhokai Kuki (42) and injuring four others. The injured personnel were being evacuated for medical treatment. Officials said details about their condition were awaited.
Security forces have intensified operations in the area following the incident, an official said. Preliminary reports suggested the involvement of militants belonging to the NSCN (K-YA). However, there was no official confirmation about the attackers’ identity. An official statement from the Assam Rifles was awaited.
Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu said he had received information about the incident and directed the officer-in-charge of the Changlang police station to gather 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 India-Myanmar border in Changlang district has remained sensitive because of the movement of insurgent groups operating in the region and across the International Boundary.
Officials did not immediately comment on the possible motive or whether the attack was linked to the border fencing work. No group had claimed responsibility at the time of filing this report.
The Assam Rifles, raised in 1835, is the oldest paramilitary force in India. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and guards the India-Myanmar border, besides carrying out counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast. The force has been deployed in the region for decades and has lost personnel in attacks by insurgent groups.
The India-Myanmar border runs through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Changlang district shares a long and difficult terrain with Myanmar, and security agencies have for years reported the presence of insurgent camps in the neighbouring country.
In recent years, the Centre has announced plans to fence the India-Myanmar border and to end the Free Movement Regime, which allowed people living within 16 km on either side to cross the border without a visa. Officials have said the move is aimed at curbing illegal movement and insurgency. Fencing work is under way in several stretches, including in Arunachal Pradesh.
The NSCN (K-YA) is a Naga insurgent group that has been active in the border areas of Myanmar and India. It is distinct from Naga groups that have signed ceasefire agreements with the government. However, officials did not confirm its involvement in Tuesday’s attack.
Local police said they were collecting information. Officials said the injured personnel were being taken to a medical facility. Further details about the operation and the condition of the injured were awaited.
The police said they were coordinating with central security agencies to gather more information. The attack underscores the continuing security challenges in the border region, where mountainous and densely forested terrain makes patrolling difficult.
This is a developing story. More information is expected as official statements come in.
