The pickup truck, which was transporting the Assam Rifles personnel, as seen at the scene of the suspected IED blast on the road leading to the ARTC & School, Shoxuvi, in Chümoukedima, on July 13. (Inset) Remains of the autorickshaw suspected to have contained the IED.
Condition of 3 wounded critical
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 13
Mystery surrounded the blast that killed a soldier of the Assam Rifles hours after the incident shook Chümoukedima on July 13. Probable motive remained a blank, while the police and the state military establishment maintained a tight lip.
The Defence PRO issued a terse statement confirming the blast, suspected to have been an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It said that one AR soldier was fatally wounded and 4 sustained injuries. “Operation in progress. Further details awaited,” the statement concluded.
The deceased AR jawan was identified as Havildar Mohd Iqbal. All five victims were rushed to the CIHSR by local residents. Sources later disclosed that the conditions of the 3 survivors were critical, admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. The fourth was admitted in the general ward.
According to the sources, the explosion occurred sometime around 2:30 pm at a spot some few hundred metres from the Khovanalla iron bridge on the road leading to the Assam Rifles Training Centre in Shoxuvi. The pickup truck transporting the AR personnel were reportedly proceeding towards NH 29.
Suspected to be a targetted attack, the explosive was reported to have been kept in a stationary autorickshaw, parts of which were found scattered around the scene of the blast. Police and security forces secured the area, while forensics combed the area.
The incident resulted in the police scaling up security in and around the site of the blast. Checkpoints were set up in various critical road junctions soon after the blast. Further details were awaited.
Governor, CM and others condemn
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav expressed grief over the loss of life and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. He conveyed his deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, while wishing the injured personnel a speedy and complete recovery.
The Governor strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a heinous act of violence, and expressed confidence that the concerned authorities would carry out a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. He also reaffirmed his solidarity with the Assam Rifles and all security forces in their commitment to maintaining peace, security and stability in the State.
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio termed the bomb blast at Chümoukedima “a cowardly act that has no place in our society.” In a statement, he said his thoughts and prayers were with everyone affected and asserted that those responsible “will be identified and brought to justice.” He further stated, “We will not allow such acts to threaten the peace and security of our people.”
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton also condemned the blast, describing it as “a direct attack on the peace and security that the people of the state cherish.” Extending his thoughts and prayers to all those affected, Patton wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery and said those responsible would be identified and brought to justice, adding that they would face the full force of the law. He further asserted that such acts of intimidation would not be allowed to undermine the safety, peace and stability of the State and reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining law and order.
The BJP Nagaland strongly condemned the IED attack, expressing heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Assam Rifles jawan and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Describing the incident as a “senseless act of violence” and “a direct assault on peace and security,” the party said such “cowardly attacks” on security personnel serving under difficult conditions were “utterly unacceptable” and deserved the strongest condemnation. It also expressed “unwavering solidarity” with the Assam Rifles, the armed forces and all security personnel safeguarding the country's peace and integrity, while expressing confidence that those responsible would be brought to justice. The party further appealed to citizens to remain calm, united and vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, reject violence in all its forms and uphold peace, harmony and the rule of law.
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) likewise condemned what it described as the “cowardly IED blast.” Expressing condolences to the bereaved family and wishing the injured a speedy recovery, the CNTC stated that “such acts of violence have no place in our society and are a direct assault on the peace, stability, and progress that the people of Nagaland have been striving for.” It denounced all forms of terrorism and anti-national activities targeting security forces or innocent civilians and urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. The council also appealed to all sections of Naga society, civil organisations and stakeholders to maintain calm and unity.
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Nagaland stated that such acts of violence were a direct attack on peace, public safety and democratic values, while reaffirming its solidarity with the security forces. The party urged the authorities to conduct a swift, impartial and comprehensive investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
