Suspected NSCN-IM cadres attack Manipur Deputy CM Gaikhangam's security team; one commando injured
Suspected cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah on Tuesday twice ambushed Manipur Deputy CM Gaikhangam Gangmei's security team on Khoupum road. One commando was injured.
In Short
- The assailants ambushed Gaikhangam's security team twice.
- Gaikhangam was stranded in Namkaolong for around 20 minutes.
- However, he proceeded to his destination, Khoupum village, with additional security cover.
Unidentified assailants suspected to be cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah, on Tuesday twice attacked Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei's security team on Khoupum road. Gangmei was travelling to Khoupum village, where he was scheduled to attend a flag-hoisting ceremony at his residence.
Yumnam Denish, a Manipur Police commando and a member of the Indian Reserve Batallion, was injured in the second of these attacks. He reportedly took a bullet in his right thigh.
Gangmei and his security escort were stranded for around 20 minutes in Namkaolong, which is only six kilometres from Khoupum. However, the Deputy Chief Minister proceeded to his destination in a bullet-proof vehicle with additional security cover, despite the risk.
Upon reaching Khoupum, Gangmei attended a public meeting at Khoupum Gaidingzang community hall, amid tight security.
The first ambush occurred at Namkaolong Part-2 near Khoupum at around 10:30 AM, the second happened not far from there.
Unidentified individuals had threatened villagers in Khoupum last night, and told them not to take part in the Deputy Chief Minister's flag hoisting ceremony, a source said.
(With inputs from Jit Ningomba)
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