Assam Rifles convoy attacked in Manipur, 7 including 5 soldiers killed

Ground Report | New Delhi: Assam Rifles convoy attacked; Four Assam Rifles personnel, including a colonel, his wife, and eight-year-old son, were killed in an attack on an Indian Army convoy in Manipur's Churchandpur on Saturday. Colonel Biplab Tripathi, who died in this attack, was the commanding officer of 46 Assam Rifles.

Officials have said that the attack took place three kilometers from the Diheng area, in which four other soldiers were also injured. Terming it as a cowardly attack, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, "The attack on the Assam Rifles convoy at Churchandpur in Manipur is very cowardly. The country has lost five jawans, including the commanding officer and two members of his family.

To ambush Col Biplab Tripathi's convoy, the terrorists first blasted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and then opened fire on vehicles in Churachandpur. The officers were returning from their advance company base to the battalion headquarters after overseeing a civilian action program in Churachandpur district, bordering Myanmar.

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Expressing grief over the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the sacrifice of the martyred soldiers will never be forgotten.

He said, "Strongly condemn the attack on the Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur. I pay homage to the soldiers and family members who have been martyred today. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. In this hour of grief. My condolences are with the bereaved families." tweeted.

Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh strongly condemned the attack and said he would do his best to prosecute the perpetrators legally. He said that this is an inhuman and terrorist act that should not end silently without any legal action.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also condemned the attack and said that the perpetrators would be brought to justice soon. "The cowardly attack on the Assam Rifles convoy at Churachandpur in Manipur is extremely painful and condemnable. The nation has lost 5 brave soldiers including CO 46 AR and two family members. My condolences to the bereaved families. The perpetrators will get justice soon. Will be brought to court," he said in a tweet.

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The Assam Rifles commends the slain officer, who had earlier served in Mizoram till he was transferred to Manipur in July 2021." (Assam Rifles convoy attacked)

During his tenure in Mizoram, under his able and energetic leadership, the battalion has been at the forefront of border management in thwarting illegal smuggling into the IMB and hinterland. The battalion has also recovered several weapons and war-like stores which could have fallen into the hands of anti-national elements thus avoiding major casualties."

Colonel Viplav became closely associated with the local people of Mizoram through his remarkable efforts. The anti-drug campaign carried out by his battalion in January 2021 received many accolades and awareness was created by him across the state including remote villages to guide the youth in the right direction," the statement said. The goodwill for the society will last for eternity".

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