Guwahati: Suspected militants belonging to ULFA (I) and NSCN (K) launched an ambush on vehicles transporting Assam Rifles personnel in the Namdang forest area near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border at approximately 8:30 am on April 16. During the surprise attack, one security personnel sustained a bullet injury.
According to sources, the incident occurred as three vehicles of security forces were en route from Changlag to Margherita in Assam. The militants targeted the convoy by hurling four grenades, initiating a sudden assault. Responding swiftly, security forces engaged in a heavy gunfight with the assailants for over half an hour. In the exchange, one security personnel sustained a bullet injury and was subsequently evacuated by an army helicopter.
Following the attack, a substantial number of army personnel swiftly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area. Intensive search operations are underway to apprehend the militants. Sources indicate that the militants employed AK47 rifles and grenade launchers during the ambush.
In a statement by Lt. Colonel Mahendra Rawat, the Army PRO in Guwahati, provided details of the incident, stating, “A vehicle-mounted patrol consisting of three Assam Rifles vehicles was ambushed by unidentified personnel near Namdhang around 8:30 am on April 16th. The troops effectively retaliated, thwarting the ambush. Unfortunately, one individual sustained gunshot wounds and has been evacuated to the Military Hospital in Jorhat. Their condition is reported as stable. Further updates will be provided.”
Meanwhile, the banned militant outfit ULFA (I) has claimed responsibility for the attack. In a press statement, the militant group asserted its involvement in the assault on security forces.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region, necessitating heightened vigilance and swift responses from security agencies to counter such threats effectively.
