Major, two soldiers killed in Manipur ambush

An army major, two paramilitary troopers are killed and seven more have been wounded in an ambush by separatist guerrillas in Manipur.

An army major and two paramilitary troopers were killed and seven more wounded in an ambush by separatist guerrillas in the restive northeastern state of Manipur, officials said on Thursday.

HT Image

A defence spokesperson said the attack on a column of the Assam Rifles took place on Wednesday near village Sorbung in Ukhrul district, about 90 km from state capital Imphal.

"The Assam Rifles team was on a routine patrol when they were ambushed by unidentified militants. There was heavy gunfire using automatic weapons leading to the death of the major and two troopers and injuries to seven more," S Jung, Assam Rifles spokesperson, said.

The injured were shifted to a military hospital at Leimakhong near Imphal.

"A massive hunt is on to nab the rebels involved in the attack," the official said.

Police said tribal Naga separatists may have been behind the ambush.

There are more than 19 militant groups active in Manipur, bordering Myanmar, with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.