Security forces on Tuesday intensified search operations in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district, a day after an improvised explosive device (IED) blast killed an Assam Rifles jawan and injured four other personnel and a civilian.
According to a Defence spokesperson, additional columns of the Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police have been deployed in the area to trace those responsible for the attack near Sukhovi.
The deceased was identified as Havildar Mohd Iqbal of the 28 Assam Rifles, who was posted at the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School in Sukhovi. A native of Kallar Mohra village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, he had joined the force in April 2003 and is survived by his wife, Nasim Akther.
The Defence spokesperson said the four injured Assam Rifles personnel were in stable condition.
The blast occurred when Assam Rifles personnel were travelling in a mini truck. A civilian standing nearby sustained a leg injury after being struck by debris from the explosion, while an autorickshaw was completely damaged.
A wreath-laying ceremony for Havildar Iqbal is scheduled to be held later on Tuesday at the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School in Sukhovi.
Meanwhile, the NSCN/GPRN (NSCN-IM) condemned the blast, describing it as a “cowardly terrorist act” intended to disturb peace in the region.
In a statement, the outfit said the use of improvised explosive devices and anti-personnel mines could not be justified, as such attacks endangered civilian lives, spread fear among the public and undermined peace in the region.
Distancing itself from the incident, the NSCN-IM said it would ascertain the facts surrounding the explosion and identify those responsible. It also urged the public not to speculate about the incident and appealed for cooperation in bringing those behind the attack to justice.
No militant group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far.
