Indian paramilitary unit's commanding officer killed in rebel ambush

Manipur-based People’s Liberation Army thought to be behind attack

The commanding officer of an Indian paramilitary force, the Assam Rifles, his family members and three other paramilitary force personnel were killed in India's Manipur's on Saturday in a Marxist rebel ambush.

According to Hindustan Times, the attack took place around 10 am when the commanding officer was on his way to supervise a civic action programme in the area.

Colonel Viplav Tripathi's wife and son, and the driver of the car were all killed in the attack.

Although no rebel group has claimed responsibility, the Manipur-based People’s Liberation Army is thought to be behind the attack.

Chief Minister of Manipur Biren Singh took to his official Twitter handle to “condemn the cowardly attack”, adding that “the state forces and paramilitary are already on their job to track down the militants”.

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.

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 13, 2021

“The perpetrators will be bought to justice,” he said.

“The cowardly attack on an Assam Rifles convoy in Churachandpur, Manipur is extremely painful & condemnable,” tweeted Defense Minister of India Rajnath Singh.

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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.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 13, 2021

He offered his condolences to the bereaved families, claiming that the “perpetrators will be brought to justice soon”.

The Indian National Congress condemned the terrorist attack, calling it a “national security breach under the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] rule”.

We are shocked by the news of deadly terror attack in Manipur resulting in the death of an Indian Army colonel, his family & soldiers of 46 AR.

Our condolences to bereaved families

This devastating national security breach under BJP rule, both in Centre & State, is condemnable.

— Congress (@INCIndia) November 13, 2021