Militant arrested in Manipur for 'involvement' in 2021 ambush on Assam Rifles convoy
28-year-old PLA 'captain' allegedly part of team that killed Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family and four personnel
Security forces have arrested a militant belonging to a proscribed outfit from Manipur's Thoubal district for his alleged involvement in an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in 2021, police said on Sunday.
The 28-year-old accused is a self-styled 'captain' in the Peoples' Liberation Army, they said.
He was arrested on Saturday from Lilong Ushoipokpi in Thoubal district based on a tip-off.
"Through further questioning, it was revealed that he was part of the team that ambushed the CO of 46 AR (Assam Rifles) and 6 others in Behiang, Churachandpur on 13/11/2021," a police statement said.
In a post on X, the Army's Eastern Command said: "The apprehended individual is a key accused in the 2021 #Churachandpur ambush case of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family members and security forces. The successful operation reaffirms the resolve of security forces to disrupt insurgent networks and safeguard peace and stability in #Manipur."
On November 13, 2021, militants ambushed a security convoy carrying Tripathi, the commanding officer of the 46 Assam Rifles, near Sehken village in Churachandpur district.
Tripathi, his wife, their young son, and four paramilitary personnel were killed in the attack.
