Insurgent outfits NSCN (K-YA) and the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) have jointly claimed responsibility for an ambush on an Assam Rifles patrol in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district that left one jawan dead and four others injured.
The attack took place around 6:30 am on September 29 near Nampong Nallah, along the sensitive India-Myanmar border. The patrol belonged to the 21 Assam Rifles and was operating in an area where border fencing work is underway.
Assam Rifles Jawan Killed, Four Injured
The deceased personnel was identified as 42-year-old Havildar Jankhokai Kuki. Four other Assam Rifles personnel sustained injuries during the attack and were evacuated for medical treatment.
According to reports, the patrol came under heavy fire while carrying out its duties near Nampong. The area, located close to the India-Myanmar border, has challenging terrain and has previously witnessed activities involving armed groups.
The Assam Rifles has also paid tribute to Kuki, who died while on duty in Changlang. The force expressed condolences to his family following the incident.
Joint Statement by the Two Outfits
In a statement issued through the NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung faction)’s Ministry of Information and Publicity, the two organisations claimed that a combined tactical team carried out the operation against personnel of the 21 Assam Rifles near Nampong.
The statement also claimed that one soldier was killed, several others were critically injured and an AK-series assault rifle was recovered from the site. However, these additional claims, including the recovery of the weapon and the extent of the groups’ involvement, have not been independently verified.
Security Forces Intensify Operations
Following the ambush, security forces intensified search and counter-insurgency operations in the area to track down those responsible and strengthen security along the international border.
Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu had confirmed that security operations were stepped up following the attack. Additional security measures have also been put in place in the border region.
The incident has renewed attention on security challenges along the India-Myanmar border, particularly in areas where difficult terrain can make surveillance and patrolling more challenging.
Border Fencing Work Underway
The ambush occurred in an area where fencing work along the India-Myanmar border is being carried out. Security agencies have been strengthening surveillance and border infrastructure as part of efforts to control unauthorised cross-border movement and other security concerns.
The border stretch in Changlang is considered strategically sensitive because of its proximity to Myanmar and the presence of armed groups operating in the wider region.
Reports have also noted that the NSCN (K-YA) has previously opposed fencing along the India-Myanmar border and has been linked to earlier attacks involving Assam Rifles personnel in Changlang.
Investigation and Security Measures Continue
Authorities are continuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those involved. While the NSCN (K-YA) and RPF have claimed responsibility, security agencies are examining the claim.
The latest incident highlights the continuing security challenges faced by personnel deployed along Arunachal Pradesh’s international border. With search operations underway, authorities are expected to maintain heightened vigilance in the Changlang and Nampong areas.
The attack has also brought renewed focus on the security of Assam Rifles personnel involved in border duties and the challenges of maintaining security in the remote and forested terrain of eastern Arunachal Pradesh.