Arunachal Pradesh MLA killed in militant ambush

At least seven persons, including Arunachal Pradesh legislator Tirong Aboh, were killed in an attack by suspected Naga militants in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, police said.

Police said that Aboh and his family members were travelling from Dibrugarh in Assam to Khonsa, when their veicle was ambushed by suspected NSCN (IM) militants at Bogapani in Tirap district.

Aboh, a sitting National People's Party (NPP) MLA from Khonsa West constituency of the hill state, contested the recently held Assembly elections for a second term and received threats from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Issak and Muivah (NSCN-IM) militants over this.

The police confirmed that Aboh had died, but refused to divulge details of the other victims.

NPP chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed shock over the tragedy. "The NPP is extremely shocked and saddened by the news of the death of its MLA Shri Tirong Aboh (Arunachal Pradesh) and his family. We condemn the brutal attack and urge @rajnathsingh and @PMOIndia to take action against those responsible for such attack," Sangma tweeted.

"Extremely shocked by the unfortunate killing of Khonsa MLA Tirong Aboh and several others, by insurgents. Strongly condemn this barbarous act. Action will be initiated to hunt down the perpetrators. My heartfelt condolence & may souls of those departed rest in peace," Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted.

--IANS

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