A Narrow Escape
Eastern Panorama|November 2016

On 24th October 2016, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) militants attacked the helipad of the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s as the chopper landed in the Ukhrul district of Manipur. Chief Minster escaped unscathed after shots were fired at him while he was getting out of his helicopter. The chopper carrying Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and the others started from Imphal about 9:30 am. Minutes after the chopper landed at the Bakshi helipad in Ukhrul around 10.30 am firing began towards the Chief Minister. The firing continued for more ten minutes.

Nisha Sethia
A Narrow Escape

One security personnel of 6 Manipur Rifles sustained bullet injuries. Several police forces were left wounded as firing took place between the militants and the security forces. In a separate incident two jawans of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) were wounded when improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the Hundung area located south of Ukhrul district in Manipur.

Apprehending foul militant action security in Ukhrul town was beefed up ahead of the Chief Minister’s visit. Additional security forces reached Ukhrul and soldiers from 41 Assam Rifles were also asked to remain alert to prevent any unpleasant incident during Singh’s visit. Security forces also cordoned off Bakshi helipad for the Chief Minister’s chopper to land. However, despite such tight security in place militants penetrated the security circle. The helicopter immediately took off and left for Chingai village. However, as scheduled Chief Minister could not reach Hunphung because members of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) blocked roads by burning logs. The Chief Minister then cancelled his programmes and flew back to capital Imphal, where he called an emergency Cabinet meeting.

This story is from the November 2016 edition of Eastern Panorama.

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This story is from the November 2016 edition of Eastern Panorama.

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