Manipur: Militants fire at security convoy of Dy CM, one security personnel injured

Imphal (Manipur) [India], Feb 22 (ANI): Armed militant's involvement in the upcoming State Assembly Election is now clear, as well equipped cadres on Wednesday ambushed advance security team which were on their way to make free passage for the VIPs and VVIPs of Deputy Chief here. The militants attacked two different places along the hilly Tongjei Maril route connecting Bishnupur and Noney districts when Gaikhangam was on his way to attend a flag-hoisting function related to the election campaign at his constituency of Khoupum, about 85 km west of Imphal. According to reports, first incident occurred at around 8.30 a.m. yesterday as the convoy reached Thingkhongjang village under Khoupum Police Station some heavily armed militants ambushed the team from two sides. The police team retaliated and the gunfight took place for some minutes. The armed militants reportedly fled the area. As they proceeded, another well equipped militants reportedly fired towards the police convoy at around 6/7 Km away from Khoupum Police Station. The police team retaliated the second time the gunfight did not last long as the militants escaped taking advantage of the hilly terrain. In the ambush, one constable of 3rd IRB sustained bullet injury. Following the ambush, security has been beefed up along the route. Additional troops have also been reinforced and search operations to have been conducted at various places. According to reports, the ambush might have been carried out to sabotage the Deputy Chief Minister's flag hoisting function. (ANI)