Assam Rifles jawan killed, four injured in IED blast in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district

Guwahati: One Assam Rifles jawan was killed and four others were injured after a Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district on Monday, officials said.

Officials in Kohima said that the IED blast struck a vehicle, which was part of a convoy of Assam Rifles vehicles near Sukhovi in Chumoukedima district on Monday afternoon.

The injured Assam Rifles personnel were immediately shifted to a government hospital for treatment. The explosion took place near Sukhovi, where the Assam Rifles has a training centre.


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According to officials, the paramilitary personnel were travelling in a convoy through the area when the IED exploded, causing extensive damage to one of the vehicles.

Security forces launched a massive search operation in and around the area to track down those responsible for the attack. Additional security personnel were rushed to the site, and the entire area was cordoned off as part of the operation.

Officials said that it is being examined whether the explosive device was planted on the roadside and detonated remotely.

On July 6 two Assam Rifles personnel were killed when suspected Naga armed militants ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle at Nungshang Kong along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) in Ukhrul district of neighbouring Manipur on July 6.

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), denied any involvement in the Manipur ambush, asserting that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement signed with the Central government and to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.

In a statement issued after the July 6 attack, the NSCN-IM categorically said that it was "neither involved in nor had any knowledge of the said incident".

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"The organisation remains firmly committed to the Ceasefire Agreement with the Government of India and continues to uphold its responsibilities under the agreed ground rules. The NSCN reiterates that it shall never resort to any action that could undermine, derail or sabotage the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations," the statement stated.

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio stated in X, "The bomb blast at Chümoukedima is a cowardly act that has no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Those responsible will be identified and brought to justice. We will not allow such acts to threaten the peace and security of our people".