Full-State honour accorded to soldiers killed in ambush

IMPHAL June 6: A full State honour was accorded on the 18 soldiers of the 6 Dogra Regiment who sacrificed their lives in the June 4 ambush in Chandel district.

Governor Dr Syed Ahmed paying his repect to the 18 slain soldiers.

Governor Dr Syed Ahmed paying his repect to the 18 slain soldiers.

IMPHAL June 6: A full State honour was accorded on the 18 soldiers of the 6 Dogra Regiment who sacrificed their lives in the June 4 ambush in Chandel district.

The ceremony was held at the Tulihal International Airport on Saturday morning.

Their bodies were later flown home in an Indian Air Force Special Flight.

Governor Dr Syed Ahmed led the solemn ceremony with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and GOC 3 corps lieutenant general Bipin Rawat, IGAR (S) Major General SN Srinivas and GOC 5 Mountain Division major general PN Rao in attendance.

The Governor also led in laying of wreath to the coffins of the soldiers which were adorned with the national Tri-colour.

Speaking to media persons after the ceremony, Chief Minister Ibobi said the government is open to talks and negotiation with any outfit if they lay down their arms.

The Chief Minister was replying to a media query on a feasible political solution and possible ceasefire with the perpetrating outfits.

It is the most unfortunate incident which every citizen of the country should condemn in the strongest term, he said.

We honour the soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country, he continued.

Taking a firm stand on the issue, the Chief Minister also said the NSCN (K) and some valley based UG groups are responsible for the ambush and we will fight against such groups.

No talk with such groups involved in inhumane acts is possible unless they lay down their arms, he continued.

He said we will also appeal to the Centre that it is imperative to closely monitor the international boundary shared with Myanmar which is around 300 km of hilly terrain and steep jungle.

He said we can also request the Myanmar government to assist us in crushing such anti-national elements.

Myanmar has been a safe abode for such groups, he added.

On the issue of border fencing, the Chief Minister said the State has been pressing the Centre to settle the dispute with the neighbouring country.

Combined operation in the area of the ambush will continue as long as deem required, he answered to a query on the duration of the ongoing combing operation in Chandel district.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/fullstate-honour-accorded-to-soldiers-killed-in-ambush/

17 soldiers killed, 16 others injured in ambush claimed by NSCN, KYKL and KCP

  IMPHAL, June 4: Heavily armed militants ambushed an army convoy in Chandel district this morning, killing atleast 17 personnel including an officer and injuring 16 others in one of

manipur ambush claimed by NSCN, KYKL and KCP

manipur ambush claimed by NSCN, KYKL and KCP

 

IMPHAL, June 4: Heavily armed militants ambushed an army convoy in Chandel district this morning, killing atleast 17 personnel including an officer and injuring 16 others in one of the deadliest ambush since the attack on the Sikh Regiment by a hill-based militant outfit some years ago along the Imphal-Ukhrul road which killed 21 personnel.

Meanwhile, the NSCN/GPRN, KYKL and the KCP have claimed responsibility for the attack.

The convoy of the 6 Dogra Regiment was ambushed in between Charlong Village and Paraolon Village, 35 kms from the Tengnoupal Police Station along the New Somtal Road in Chandel district.

An unsigned joint statement of the three outfits said `A combined team of the Elite Strike Unit of Naga Army, KYKL and KCP assaulted five vehicle convoy of the 6thDogra regiment on June 4 at Tengnoupal `“New Somtal Road under Chandel district of Manipur and slain 20 personnel including one JCO and critically injured more than a dozen soldiers.`

`The assault started around 6 am and lasted till 9 to 10 AM.`

`The joint offensive has been launched in sync with each corresponding assertion for self determination and sovereignty.` the statement said.

According to the police, the 6 Dogra Regiment of the Moltuk post was being replaced by the 4 Assam Regiment and they were moving towards their Imphal divisional headquarter when the attack happened.

The personnel were in four vehicles and came under the sudden powerful ambush from the militants just 5 km far from their Moltuk post, police said.

The militants first triggered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device to damage the first vehicle of the convoy and block the way of the other vehicles and then fired RPG shells damaging two other vehicles, according to the police.

The attackers also used sophisticated weapons killing 17 army personnel including a Junior Commission Officer on the spot. Another 16 personnel were injured during the ambush.

Police also said some of the 6 Dogra Regiment personnel retaliated for sometime killing a suspected militant.

The bodies of the killed and the injured personnel were shifted to the Leimakhong Military Hospital in three helicopters.

It is also said that the militants took away weapons from the army, although the exact number of weapons and ammunitions is yet to be officially confirmed.

Soon after recieving information of the ambush, a Chandel district Police team rushed to the spot. Assam Rifles personnel from the nearby post also arrived at the scene.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/17-soldiers-killed-16-others-injured-in-ambush-claimed-by-nscn-kykl-and-kcp/