20 Army personnel were killed and 16 others injured when militants ambushed an Army convoy Thursday morning in Manipur. The convoy was on its way to Imphal from Motul on a road opening patrol as part of their daily routine, about 80 km from Imphal.
The ambush occurred at around 7.30 am when the convoy reached a place between Paralong and Charong villages. The body of a militant has also been recovered from the spot .
A Combined force of Army and Manipur Police was rushed to the spot immediately after the ambush and conducted search operations. However, there is no report of any arrest in connection with the incident.
The Army convoy was ambushed by the militants with Rocket Propellant Gun and powerful Improvised Explosive Device. All the injured have been brought for treatment at the Military Hospital at the 57-Mountain Division Headquarters at Leimakhong in Senapati District of the state. The dead bodies have also been brought to the Army Divisional Headquarters.
Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi has said that today’s mindless attack in Manipur is very distressing. In a tweet, Mr Modi said that he bows to each and every soldier who has sacrificed his life for the Nation.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has condemned the attack on Army personnel in Manipur. Mr Parrikar assured that those who committed the cowardly act will be brought to book. He said, Army will continue to work towards bringing peace and normalcy in Manipur. He also conveyed his deepest condolence to bereaved families of the brave Army men who lost their lives.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said some people want to disrupt peace process in Manipur. Talking to reporters in New Delhi this evening, Mr Rijiju said, details are still being received from the state. The Minister said modern weapons like rocket launcher were used in the attack.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Army Chief Dalbir Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also held a meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed the situation after attack in the state.
