Colonel Viplav Tripathi, Commanding Officer of 46 Assam Rifles and five soldiers of 46 Assam Rifles were killed on Saturday, 13 November, after their convoy was ambushed by militants in Manipur.
Two militant organisations People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) claimed responsibility for the attack, according to news organisation PTI. A joint press release by the militant groups said that they were unaware that the colonel was traveling with his family.
According to an Assam Rifles statement, the officer's wife and child also lost their lives in the attack.
NDTV quoted the Assam Rifles as saying:
"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."
Taking to Twitter to condemn the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, said:
“Strongly condemn the attack on the Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur. I pay homage to those soldiers and family members who have been martyred today. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness.”
The incident took place at Sehken Village of Behiang in Churachandpur.
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According to ANI, army officials have said: "Terrorists first carried out IED blast to ambush the convoy of 46 Assam Rifles Commanding Officer Colonel Viplav Tripathi and then fired at the vehicles in Churachandpur, Manipur."
The officer was reportedly returning from his forward company base to his battalion headquarters.
(With inputs from NDTV and ANI.)
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