Manipur: Militant held for 'involvement' in 2021 ambush on Assam Rifles convoy
Security forces have arrested a militant belonging to a banned outfit from Manipur's Thoubal district for his alleged role in a 2021 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy, police said on Sunday, August 23.
The accused, aged 28, is a self-styled "captain" in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), police said, adding that he was apprehended on Saturday from Lilong Ushoipokpi in Thoubal district based on prior intelligence. "Through further questioning, it was revealed that he was part of the team that ambushed the CO of 46 AR (Assam Rifles) and 6 others in Behiang, Churachandpur on 13/11/2021," a police statement said.
The Army's Eastern Command, in a post on X, described the arrested individual as a key accused in the 2021 Churachandpur ambush case involving Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family members and accompanying security personnel. The command said the operation reflected the continued resolve of security forces to dismantle insurgent networks and maintain peace and stability in Manipur.
The ambush took place on November 13, 2021, when militants attacked a security convoy carrying Tripathi, then commanding officer of the 46 Assam Rifles, near Sehken village in Churachandpur district. The attack claimed the lives of Tripathi, his wife, their young son, and four paramilitary personnel.
(With inputs from PTI)
