One Assam Rifles jawan killed, five injured in Nagaland blast

An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and five others, including four security personnel and a civilian, were injured in a suspected IED blast targeting an Assam Rifles vehicle in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district. Security forces have launched an investigation into the incident.

Dimapur: An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and five others – four security personnel and a civilian – were injured in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district on Monday, officials said.

The explosion occurred near the Shokhuvi area at around 2 pm and reportedly targeted an Assam Rifles vehicle during an operational movement, Defence PRO Col Amit Shukla said.

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No militant group had claimed responsibility for the attack till the time of filing this report.

According to officials, the Assam Rifles personnel were travelling in a mini truck when the blast occurred, killing Havildar Md Iqbal of the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School.

The four injured Assam Rifles personnel sustained critical injuries and were shifted to the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR).

A civilian nearby suffered a leg injury after being hit by debris from the blast, officials said.

An autorickshaw parked nearby was completely damaged.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton condemned the blast.

Expressing grief over the death of the Assam Rifles personnel, Yadav prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul, extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, colleagues and loved ones, and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery.

The Governor said the authorities would conduct a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

He also reaffirmed his solidarity with the Assam Rifles and other security forces in their efforts to maintain peace, security and stability in the State.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister described the explosion as “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,” Rio said.

Deputy Chief Minister Patton described the incident as “a direct attack on the peace and security we cherish” and said those responsible would face the full force of the law.

“We will not allow such acts of intimidation to undermine the safety, peace and stability of the State. Justice will prevail,” Patton said.

Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera said all ranks of the force stood firmly with the bereaved family.

“Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General, Assam Rifles, and all ranks of Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to Hav Md Iqbal, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Nagaland today, and offer deep condolences to the family of our brave soldier,” the paramilitary force said in a post on X.