One Assam Rifles personnel was killed and four others injured in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Nagaland’s Chümoukedima district on Monday afternoon.
The explosion occurred around 2.30 pm, approximately 500 metres from the main gate of the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC), Shokhuvi, during an operational movement, PRO Defence Nagaland informed.
PRO Defence Col Amit Shukla said the suspected IED blast targeted an Assam Rifles vehicle.
The injured personnel were admitted to the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, for medical treatment.
Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma said that, as per preliminary assessment, the suspected IED was placed inside an autorickshaw parked on the roadside.
Security forces and state police have launched a search operation in the area, and further investigation is underway to identify those responsible.
The deceased Assam Rifles personnel was identified as Havildar Mohd Iqbal.
Governor, CM Rio, Dy CM Patton, CNTC condemns
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav expressed grief over the incident, extending condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased personnel and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. He condemned the attack and expressed confidence that authorities would conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio condemned the blast as a “cowardly act” and said those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. He said such acts would not be allowed to threaten the peace and security of the people.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton also condemned the incident, stating that such acts of violence would not undermine the safety, peace and stability of the state.
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) also condemned the blast, expressing condolences to the family of Havildar Mohd Iqbal and praying for the recovery of the injured personnel. The council called for a thorough investigation and urged all sections of society to maintain calm and unity.
The CNTC stated that violence had no place in society and appealed for collective efforts towards maintaining peace in Nagaland.
