NPP MLA & 10 Others Killed by Terrorists in AP, Search Op Underway

Condemning the attack, Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma sought the intervention of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Arunchal Pradesh MLA Tirong Aboh was killed in an attack in Tirap district.

(Photo: IANS)

At least eleven people, including the MLA of the Khonsa West constituency in Arunachal Pradesh, Triong Aboh and his son, were killed on Tuesday, 21 May, after terrorists fired at the vehicle they were travelling in.

Aboh, 41, a sitting MLA was seeking re-election from the seat, the results for which will be declared on 23 May.

The incident took place when the suspected rebels opened fire at Aboh's vehicle who along with family members, three police personnel and a poll agent was on his way to his constituency from Assam.

The attack that happened near Bogapani village in Arunachal Pradesh at around 11:30 am, is suspected to be carried out by NSCN militants, police officials told PTI.

Meanwhile, Indian Army troops have launched a massive search operation in the jungles of Tirap, Longding and Changlang Districts to nab the perpetrators.

Additional forces, including Special Forces troops, have also been inducted, ANI reported.

The army has also confirmed employment of specialist helicopters with night-flying ability and night vision equipment. Reconnaissance helicopters, quad-copters and tracker dogs are also extensively being employed.

The operation is being carried out in close coordination with the police, local administration and intelligence agencies to identify the insurgents involved in the killings, the news agency report added.

Condemning the attack, NPP president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma sought the intervention of the Prime Minister's Office and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

‘Political Party Is Behind the Attack’

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh former Home Minister, Kumar Waii also condemned the attack and indicated that a rival political party is behind the attack.

“I condemn this incident. This kind of an incident has never taken place before. An inquiry into the incident is important. A political rival has done this.”

Kumar Waii

Leaders Condemn Attack

On Tuesday, Union Minister Rajnath Singh reacted to the attack and said perpetrators of "this heinous crime will not be spared."

"It is an outrageous attempt to disturb peace and normalcy in the North East. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared. My condolences to the bereaved families," he wrote in a tweet.

Other leaders who condemned the attack include Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President, Ripun Bora.

The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was responsible for the "prevailing lawlessness and chaos" in the state and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident, reported news agency PTI.

"If elected representatives are not safe under the present dispensations at the Centre and the state, how can common people feel secure," the party said in a statement.

“Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his BJP government are solely responsible for lawlessness and all chaos in the state," the statement added.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel launched an attack on the BJP questioning the Naga accord.

The others who were killed in the incident included Wangngoi Hakhun, Jalin Hakhun, Ganwang Hakhun, Matlam Aboh, Pangro, two PSOs of Aboh including Ponhang Agi and B Siksa, the police said adding that two other victims are yet to be identified, news agency IANS reported.

Police said two other PSOs travelling with Aboh including Wangsan Hakhun and Wangdan Hakhun received bullet injuries while one woman and another PSO escaped unhurt.

(With inputs from PTI, IANS, ANI)