Manipur CM pays last respect to slain Assam Rifles soldiers

Our Correspondent

Imphal, July 31 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on Friday paid his last respect to the three Assam Rifles soldiers who lost their lives in an ambush near Khongtal area in Chandel district on Wednesday.

Singh along with MLA L Sushindro (Khurai) and DGP Manipur LM Khaute led the military officers in laying wreaths on the mortal remains of the three personnel of 4 Assam Rifles at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.

Brig DS Shishodia, Deputy IG Assam Rifles (South), Brig Deepak Joshi, Commander, 9 Sector Assam Rifles and Col Prashant Misra, Col ‘A’ 57 Mountain Division were also present during the occasion.

Speaking to the media on the sideline of the ceremony, Singh said there is no place for violence in a democratic country like India.

Singh also met the family members of Ratan Salam, who was one of the three Assam Rifles slain soldiers at the end of the ceremony and expressed his deep condolences.

In a tweet on Friday, Chief Minister Biren wrote,”With deep sorrow, I paid homage to the three brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in a cowardly attack by the militants in Chandel district on July 29, 2020. The country will always remember their martyrdom and their sacrifice will not go in vain.”

On the other hand Assam Rifles authority in the state in a press release on Friday said, “The nation salutes their supreme sacrifice made in the highest traditions of the force in service of the nation. In this hour of grief, the Assam Rifles stands firm in its solemn commitment to ensure the welfare of the families of the fallen soldiers.” It may be mentioned that three Assam Rifles personnel were killed while five others sustained injury in an ambush near Khongtal area in Chandel district on Wednesday evening. Later, Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF), Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) claimed responsibility for the ambush.