Arunachal MLA, minor son and 9 others gunned down

A sitting MLA of Arunachal Pradesh, his minor son and nine others accompanying him were gunned down by suspected NSCN (IM) militants in Tirap district around noon on Tuesday.

Two personal security officer (PSO) of the MLA Tirong Aboh were also killed in the attack.

Director general of police, SBK Singh told DH that the four-vehicle convoy of the MLA was attacked at Khonsa-Deomali Road in Tirap district in which 11 persons died. Two other policemen also received bullet injuries.

Aboh, who joined National People's Party (NPP) and contested the Assembly elections held on April 11 was returning to his constituency. Sources said militants had waylaid his convoy near a tea estate in the remote Bogapani area and fired indiscriminately from assault rifles. The vehicles were set on fire leaving some of the victims badly burnt and two of them could not be identified yet.

Sources said one of his PSOs, who had a miraculous escape rushed to Khonsa town and informed police about the incident. Another unidentified woman, who was with the MLA also escaped unhurt.

Among the deceased were Aboh’s minor son Longgem, Wangngoi Hakhun, Gangwang Hakhun, Matiam Aboh (burnt), Pangro (a teacher), Ponhang Agi (PSO) and B Siksa (PSO).

“Operation has been launched by the army in the area to arrest the perpetrators,” a statement issued by the state police said.

Although security forces suspected NSCN (IM)’s involvement, the Naga outfit has not yet responded to the incident. NSCN (IM) is in a ceasefire in Nagaland since 1997 and is in peace talks with the Centre.

Political killing

The NPP suspected that it could be a political killing and demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident. Condemning the incident, NPP president and Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Rajnath Singh for action against the assailants.

Aboh, who was elected an MLA in 2014 as Peoples Party of Arunachal candidate had later joined NPP and contested the Assembly elections on April 11. NPP contested for 35 of the 60 Assembly seats but its leaders fell victims of violence during the elections.

Chief Minister and BJP leader Pema Khandu also condemned the attack and promised action.

The incident comes a day after unidentified miscreants ambushed a polling team and snatched EVMs in Kurung Kumey district.