Guwahati, 16th April: A convoy of three Assam Rifles vehicles came under attack near Namdhang while traveling from Changlang to Margherita on April 16, between 8 and 8:30 am. Despite effective retaliation by the troops, Hawaldar Om Prakash sustained bullet injuries during the encounter.
Responsibility for the ambush was claimed by Rumel Axom, a self-proclaimed captain of ULFA-I, who alleged significant damage to Assam Rifles vehicles and multiple injuries among soldiers. However, ULFA-I’s claims of media censorship were reportedly contradicted by sightings of wounded soldiers being airlifted for medical attention.
The defence establishment has yet to officially respond to ULFA-I’s claims, while insiders deny accusations of media censorship. Assam Rifles confirmed the ambush, stating that one individual sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Military Hospital Jorhat, with his condition reported as stable.
The incident highlights the precarious security situation along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. With conflicting accounts from defense sources and insurgent groups, it underscores the challenges faced by security forces in combating militancy while maintaining transparency.
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