Daijiworld Media Network - Kohima

Kohima, July 13: An Assam Rifles soldier was killed and four of his colleagues sustained injuries after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded near an Assam Rifles convoy in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district on Monday, officials said.

The blast occurred near Sukhovi, where the Assam Rifles operates a training centre, when a convoy of the paramilitary force was passing through the area. One of the vehicles bore the brunt of the explosion, suffering extensive damage.

The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to a government hospital for treatment. Officials said their medical condition was yet to be officially updated.

Following the attack, security forces launched an extensive search operation in and around the blast site. Additional personnel were deployed, and the area was sealed off as investigators began efforts to trace those responsible for the attack.

Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the explosion and are investigating whether the IED had been planted along the roadside and detonated remotely. The exact cause and nature of the blast are yet to be officially confirmed.

The incident comes just over a week after another deadly attack on Assam Rifles personnel in neighbouring Manipur. On July 6, Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh were killed when suspected Naga militants ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle near Nungshang Kong along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) in Ukhrul district.

The Manipur ambush sparked widespread condemnation and prompted large-scale joint operations by Central and state security forces, which are continuing to track down those involved.

Following that attack, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) denied any role in the ambush, stating that it had neither participated in nor had prior knowledge of the incident.

The outfit reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India and maintained that it would not undertake any action that could jeopardise the ongoing Indo-Naga peace negotiations. Authorities are continuing investigations into both incidents.