Manipur convoy attack: Search operations continue for the third day

defence Manipur ambush: Search operations continue

IMPHAL: Search operations to track down insurgents continued for the third day today in the areas where army jawans were ambushed in Chandel district of Manipur in which 18 army personnel were killed and 10 others injured.

Assam Rifles sources said combing operations continued at Paralong, Charong, Moltuh and other areas to track down the insurgents who had launched the biggest attack in two decades on the army jawans, using landmines, rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons.

Eighteen persons, including 17 army personnel and a suspected militant, were killed in the ambush.

"All the bodies of army jawans killed in the ambush on Thursday have been identified," the sources here said.

Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag had yesterday inspected the site of ambush in chandel district.

The general had a short discussion with the officers of the Army and Assam Rifles to work out a plan for operation and the future course of action.

Naga insurgent outfit NSCN (Khaplang), with which the Centre abrogated ceasefire in March, has claimed responsibility for the ambush.