Assam Rifles Havildar Killed, Four Injured in Changlang

An Assam Rifles havildar was killed and four other personnel were injured when a patrol from the 21 Assam Rifles came under suspected militant fire near Nampong Nallah in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, on September 29, officials said. The patrol was operating in an area where border-fencing work is underway along the India-Myanmar border. The deceased was identified by Assam Rifles as Havildar Jankhokai Kuki, 42. The force paid tribute to him in a public post, while its Director General, Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, condemned the incident and offered condolences to Kuki’s family. Police and preliminary accounts said the firing occurred at about 6:30 a.m. near Nampong Nallah, under Nampong circle. The four injured personnel were being evacuated or taken for medical treatment, according to reports. Their conditions had not been reported. The attackers’ identity has not been officially confirmed. Preliminary reports cited by officials suggested possible involvement by militants associated with NSCN-KYA, but authorities had not verified that claim.