An Assam Rifles personnel was killed and four others were injured in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast that targeted an Assam Rifles vehicle in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district, a Defence official said on Monday.
The explosion occurred while the force was undertaking an operational movement, according to PRO Defence Colonel Amit Shukla.
The injured personnel were evacuated for medical treatment, while security forces launched a search operation in the area, he added.
An investigation into the incident is underway. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased and injured personnel or confirmed which group was responsible for the suspected attack.
The blast marks the second attack on Assam Rifles personnel in the Northeast within a week.
On July 6, two personnel from the 40th Battalion of the Assam Rifles were killed after suspected militants ambushed a convoy in Manipur's Ukhrul district.
The attack triggered a prolonged exchange of fire and prompted security forces to launch an extensive search operation in the area.
The personnel killed in the ambush were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Rifleman CM Singh, who was reportedly driving one of the convoy vehicles. Officials said both sustained critical injuries and later died despite receiving medical treatment.
ASSAM RIFLES' ROLE IN NORTHEAST SECURITY
The Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force, has long played a central role in maintaining security across the Northeast.
The force is tasked with guarding the India-Myanmar border, conducting counter-insurgency operations and supporting internal security efforts throughout the region.
Given its extensive deployment in insurgency-affected areas, Assam Rifles personnel have frequently been targeted by militant groups.
In November last year, four Assam Rifles personnel were injured when militants opened fire on a patrol in Manipur's Tengnoupal district along the India-Myanmar border.
The ambush occurred near Border Pillar No. 87, close to Saibol village, during a routine patrol.
The incident came months after Assam Rifles personnel killed 10 suspected militants in an encounter in Manipur's Chandel district.
