11 AR jawans killed in Leplian ambush

Imphal, May 27: Militants struck in a big way killing at least 11 Assam Rifles personnel and decamping with a large number of arms and ammunition including 4 AK rifles and one 2 inch mortar at Leplian Kuki village around 19 kms north-east of Saikul police station at around 10 this morning. In a statement the Press Spokesman of Assam Rifles confirmed the death of 11 soldiers including one Havildar identified as Shakti Singh Rana in the ambush but added that number of militants were also killed and wounded in the shoot out. The statement said that the incident occurred while Assam Rifles troops were returning to their post at Sanakeithel after assisting villagers in developmental works with dozers at Dungshum, a village close to the site of the encounter. Stating that the attack could be the handiwork of a combined force of the NSCN (IM) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army, the AR Spokesman said the troops were attacked with rifle grenades and heavy small arms. Combing operations are in progress and re-enforcements have been rushed in. The bodies of the slain soldiers have been evacuated to Imphal for post mortem and the mortal remains will be flown to their homes on May 28, added the statement. Reports received here said the unidentified militants mounted the attack when the 25 AR personnel were coming from the Sanakeithel side in a convoy. The 25 AR is posted at Litan in Ukhrul district with its headquarters at Shangshak village in the same district. As the AR convoy was approaching Leplian Kuki village located next to Litan, the militants waylaid them and opened a volley of shots from different sides using sophisticated weapons. The militants also used automatic weapons and bombs, it said adding the number of militants involved in the attack is not known. However, the intensity of the attack indicated that they could be several in numbers. Reports said the AR jawans also retaliated. However casualty on the side of the militants has not been established. The militants escaped towards the nearby hills after the attack. The reports further said that ten AR personnel died instantly while one more expired later. Four AK 47 rifles, two INSAS rifle, one pistol, one 2 inch mortar and several rounds of live ammunition have been taken away by the militants. One Mini Tata which was brought by the AR personnel was substantially damaged in the attack. Most of the deceased are occupants of the Mini Tata. Reinforcement was rushed into the area following the incident. Senior police officials have also reached the spot. Search for the militants are on, the source added. A detailed report of the incident is awaited. The identities of the deceased and injuries have not been ascertained for the moment. No civilian casualty has been reported at the time of going to press.