Assam Rifles jawan injured in militant ambush near Phesama

Principal Correspondent
Kohima, May 29

An Assam Rifles jawan was seriously injured as unknown underground cadres attacked upon a convoy of the 19 Assam Rifles along National Highway-2 near Phesama village in the outskirts of the state capital Kohima on Friday.
The incident occurred at around 10:15 am while the convoy was heading for Jakhama from Kohima, sources said.
The injured, a havildar of the 19 Assam Rifles, was reportedly rushed to Jakhama army hospital first aid and then he was airlifted to Rangapahar with serious bullet injury on the head.
Sources said an army Gypsy jeep which was also among the four vehicles moving towards Jakhama army camp, plunged into the drain.
Assam Rifles also reportedly retaliated to the ambush, but there is no report of casualty on the side of the attackers.
Movement of traffic was halted for around two-hours as the Assam Rifles and police conducted rigorous search operation in the jungles below and above the highway but they were unable to nab anyone, sources added.However, police recovered 39 empty cases of INSAS rifle and AK-47 from the incident site.
Meanwhile, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has condemned the firing incident that took place at Phesama.
SAYO president Kekhruhol Mekro and Action Committee convenor Khisanol Viswentso in a press release said it has seriously noted the ambush of an army patrolling vehicle. SAYO will not tolerate such kind of cowardly act taking place under its jurisdiction, they said. SAYO has also warned of strong action against any group or individual creating trouble within its area.
In another release, Phesama Village Council (PVC) vehemently condemning the incident said, “The PVC is perplexed to which underground faction is responsible and what hidden motive is there to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the area and creating fear psychosis in the minds of the people”.
PVC president Vimedo Chuse and general secretary Rovise Khale said such a senseless and desperate cowardice act should not be allowed repeat in future. PVC has also urged every civilized responsible citizen to denounce such kind of ‘terrorism’. The PVC also declared not to extend cooperation with the responsible faction in the future.