Itanagar, March 27: An Assam Rifles personnel was injured after militants opened fire during ongoing border fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar frontier in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district, a press release said on Friday.
The incident occurred around 5:30 PM on Thursday near the strategically significant Pangsau Pass area, close to Border Pillar 172.
Suspected cadres of the NSCN-K-YA reportedly opened fire from across the Myanmar side, targeting personnel engaged in construction activities.
The firing was said to be unprovoked and linked to opposition against the border fencing project.
Meanwhile, Assam Rifles troops struck back, leading to a brief exchange of fire, following which the militants fled the area.
One jawan sustained injuries in the incident and is currently reported to be out of danger.
Following the encounter, security forces have cordoned off the area and launched intensive search operations to track down the attackers.
A joint combing operation involving Assam Rifles, CRPF, and Arunachal Pradesh Police is also underway in the region.
Meanwhile, in a press statement issued on March 26, the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland claimed responsibility for the attack. The statement said, “In response to the unified voice of the Nagas against the construction of the unlawful fence by India along the artificial boundary, the Naga Army Tactical Unit carried out a massive attack on the 10th Assam Rifles construction team this evening at 5:30 PM (IST) on Namgoi-Pangsau road, killing three on the spot.”
The group further alleged, “Despite strong protest from all Nagas from both sides of the imposed borders, India remains insensitive and the illegal construction continues with impunity. This is a flagrant crime committed by India against the Naga people which is a complete defiance and contempt for the most basic principles of international and humanitarian laws.”
It also warned, “A time has come for GOI to take this message with clarity that this illegal fence will not serve any purpose but will only provoke the Nagas further.”
