Six troopers dead in rebel attack in northeast India

The rebels were hiding on a hilltop and launched the attack before escaping with several AK-47 rifles from troopers


Afp May 22, 2016
Armed separatist rebels open fire on soldiers before exploding small bomb during attack in underdeveloped Nagaland. PHOTO: US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

GUWAHATI, INDIA: Six troopers were killed on Sunday and their weapons looted after rebels attacked their convoy in India's restive northeastern frontier state, police said.

The soldiers from Assam Rifles were returning from a landslide disaster site when rebels sprayed their vehicles with bullets in Chandel district, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) southwest of Manipur's state capital Imphal.

"The troopers were returning from a remote area close to the Myanmar border after inspecting an area hit by heavy mudslides when they came under attack from separatists armed with automatic weapons," a senior police official said, requesting not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media.

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The rebels were hiding on a hilltop and launched the attack before escaping with several AK-47 rifles and other weapons taken from the troopers.

One of those killed was from India's elite paramilitary force.

Herojit Meitei, Chandel police chief, told AFP that extra manpower had been deployed to find the attackers.

"We are trying to establish contact with our officers in the remote area. We are not yet clear about the damage," he added.

More than 19 militant groups are active in Manipur, with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.

Last June, rebels in Chandel district killed 20 Indian soldiers in a convoy attack.

The assault prompted India to launch a surgical strike in Myanmar which it claimed killed several militants.

COMMENTS (4)

Shan | 7 years ago | Reply If Manipur people's need a new country for them, so UN should conduct referendum there, so it peace can prevail and Manipur peoples can live their lives peacefully. India is the democratic country and it should support a new state, so every enjoys there right to have the new state and live independent livies.
Azi | 7 years ago | Reply Empty clip in picture... No wonder they get destroyed by poorly trained wana be terrorists/ rebels. Even in training you have atleast a full clip to give soldier idea of weight. But the saddest part is that they wont cry a river over this unless they were killed by someone thy could connect to Pakistan.
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