Naga Rebel Accused in Ambush of Assam Rifles CO Viplav Tripathi and Others Arrested

IMPHAL : Imphal East district police commandos in collaboration with security forces, a NIA team and the Assam Rifles arrested Machunkring Zamshim Shimray aka Ningkhan of Ukhrul district on Saturday from Yaingangpokpi junction, Imphal East near a petrol pump.

Accused was taken under custody for his alleged link with the killing of Commanding Officer of 46 Assam Rifles, Viplav Tripathi along with four other personnel in Churachandra district.

A small group of activists from Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF) was involved in the death of Viplav Tripathi with his family, along with four other personnel from the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) in Manipur.

During the interrogation process, Machukring revealed that he joined the cadre of MNPF in 2016 through a Robert of MNPF and got his basic military training for three months under army number 159 Thumol. The boy is working under self styled chairman, Francis. Machukring himself, is a self-styled corporal.

Also, he told the police about his involvement with several ambushes, primarily against the Assam Rifles. He further talked about Khongtal Chandel ambush where six people were injured an three were killed on the 29th of July 2020. 

This particular ambush was as horrifying as the 2015 ambush, where 20 army personnel were killed in Paraolon village in the Chandel district of Manipur. 

Viplav Tripathi had served the Mizoram state till July 2021 before he shifted to Churachandra district. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized this event and promised for justice soon. He grieved for the soldiers and condemned the cowardly attack on the Assam Rifles. 

As several attacks took place earlier, no family member was affected. But this time Viplav Tripathi and his wife along with their six year old son got victimized. This might be a result of misinformation regarding the status of the targeted person that he is alone, said an officer.

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