In a concerning development coming from Manipur, a Colonel, his wife and 8-yo-son were among the 7 persons that were killed by militants in an ambush. On Saturday, November 13, a convoy of the Assam Rifle, which was carrying Colonel Viplav Tripathi and his family, were attacked by terrorists. The incident occurred in Churachandpur district, Manipur. Along with the colonel and his family, 4 other soldiers who were part of the convoy were also gunned down.

After the attack, India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh condoled the deaths of those who died in the ambush and claimed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. While who is responsible for the attack is still yet to be ascertained, an India Today report claimed that the Manipur’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were responsible for the attack.

Contents hide
1. Background
2. The Facts of the Matter
3. Assam Rifles Issues Statement After the Attack
4. Deceased Colonel Was Known For his Energetic Leadership
5. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Manipur CM Assures Response

Background

While India and China are locked in a standstill when it comes to diplomatic talks in Ladakh, the north-east region of India are on the edge as it faces internal conflicts and external threats. The home of about 45 million persons where 400 languages are spoken by people belonging in 272 communities, the North East has witnessed events where hundreds of people have died.

According to an opinion piece of The Washington Piece, the northeast India conflict has led to the deaths of 50,000 people since independence. Back in 2015, the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) ambushed a military convoy. The ambush resulted in the deaths of 18 persons from the Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army.

On Saturday, a convoy of Assam Rifles was ambushed by unknown assailants. So far 7 persons have been reported dead in the attack.

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The Facts of the Matter

The family of an Assam Rifles colonel were killed by terrorists in an ambush at Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The incident happened on November 13 at around 11 AM where Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife, and 8-year-old son were gunned down. 4 soldiers accompanying the convoy of the family were also gunned down in the ambush.

Assam Rifles Issues Statement After the Attack

After the incident, the Assam Rifles issued a statement which read, “Five soldiers including Colonel Viplav Tripathi, Commanding Officer of 46 Assam Rifles, have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The family of the Commanding Officer – wife and child – also lost their lives. DG and all ranks of Assam Rifles offer condolences to the brave soldiers and families.”

According to an EastMoji report, a Manipur police spokesperson claimed that, “Col Tripathi was returning back from Behiang when his vehicle and the escort vehicle were ambushed by an unknown underground militant group.” Reportedly, the militants killed 3 of the personnel from the Quick Response Team.

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Deceased Colonel Was Known For his Energetic Leadership

The Assam Rifles issued an eulogy in which it highlighted the martyred colonel’s contributions. “During his tenure at Mizoram, under his able and energetic leadership, the battalion has been at the forefront in Border management, thwarting illegal smuggling in the IMB and hinterland. Battalion has also recovered several weapons & war-like stores, which could have landed in the hands of anti-national elements thus avoiding major casualties,” the eulogy stated, as per EastMojo.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Manipur CM Assures Response

Meanwhile, after the attack, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter and wrote, “The cowardly attack on an Assam Rifles convoy in Churachandpur, Manipur is extremely painful & 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 be brought to justice soon.”

Manipur CM N. Biren Singh, also claimed that the para-military are already tracking down the terrorists in his message on Twitter. “Strongly condemn the cowardly attack on a convoy of 46 AR which has reportedly killed few personnel including the CO & his family at CCpur today. The State forces & Para military are already on their job to track down the militants. The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he tweeted.