Assam Rifles jawan killed, 4 injured in suspected IED blast in Nagaland

One Assam Rifles jawan was killed and four others were injured in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Nagaland’s Chümoukedima district on Monday.

The explosion occurred near Sukhovi, where the Assam Rifles has a training centre.

According to reports, the blast took place when Assam Rifles vehicles were moving through the area.

Defence PRO, Kohima, said one security personnel died in the incident, while four others sustained injuries. The injured were immediately taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Their condition is not known as of now.

Following the blast, security forces launched a large search operation in and around Sukhovi to identify and track those responsible. Officials said the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be confirmed, and investigations are underway.

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Further details are awaited as the operation continues.

Second attack in less than a week

The latest incident marks the second attack on Assam Rifles personnel in the Northeast in less than a week. On July 6, two soldiers of the 40th Battalion of the Assam Rifles were killed after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur's Ukhrul district.

The deceased were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh, who was reportedly driving one of the convoy vehicles. Both sustained critical injuries in the attack and later succumbed despite receiving immediate medical treatment.

Key role in Northeast security

The Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force, plays a crucial role in maintaining security in the Northeast.

It is responsible for guarding the India-Myanmar border, carrying out counter-insurgency operations and assisting civil authorities in maintaining law and order across the region.

Because of its extensive deployment in insurgency-affected areas, the force has often been targeted by armed groups.