20 army jawans martyred in ambush in Manipur; PM Modi pays tribute

Indian army has now confirmed that 20 army personnel were killed in an ambush which was laid by unidentified militant outfit in Manipur.

A team of 6 Dogra Regiment was on a road opening patrol (ROP) as part of their daily routine along Tengnoupal-New Samtal road, about 80 km from here, when they were ambushed by the unidentified insurgent outfit with a powerful IED explosion. After the IED blast, the insurgents resorted to heavy firing at the convoy of four Army vehicles with RPGs and automatic weapons, Army sources said in Delhi.

Prime minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attacks. In a tweet posted on his official page, PM Modi said, "Today’s mindless attack in Manipur is very distressing. I bow to each and every soldier who has sacrificed his life for the Nation."

Today’s mindless attack in Manipur is very distressing. I bow to each and every soldier who has sacrificed his life for the Nation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2015

According to ANI reports, injured army personnel & mortal remains of martyred jawans taken to Leimakhong (Manipur), en route to Dimapur (Nagaland).

The ambush took place when the convoy reached a place between Paralong and Charong villages. 

The 20 army personnel killed included 1 Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), 1 SIG constable, 1  Army Srevice Cops driver. 11 others were left injured in this incident, according to a report by NDTV. A suspected insurgent was also killed, police said.

The ambush happened at around 8.30 am on Thursday on 6 Dogra convoy under Tengnoupal Poluce Station, Chandel District (Manipur).

The injured jawans were air-lifted by the Army for treatment, the official said. The reinforcement party of the security forces rushed to the spot for combing operation to nab the militants, he added.

Manipur Home Secretary J Suresh Babu suspected the involvement of Manipur rebel outfit Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in the deadly attack.

"This seems to be the work of PLA, with suspected support by the 'KYKL' group also. We are still waiting for more inputs to come in," he added. Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) is a Meitei revolutionary organization in Manipur.

Security agencies suspect Naga Group NSCN(K) or the United National Libertarion Front of Manipur (UNLF), responsible for attack.

(With agency inputs)