Three policemen killed in Manipur militant attack

Three armed Mizoram policemen were gunned down and two others shot at when the Manipur-based militant outfit Hmar People's Convention-Democracy (HPC-D) ambushed a police party in Mizoram on Saturday, a police official said here.

The police party led by the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Sakawrdai, Zarzoliana, was accompanying a state assembly team in Zokhawthiang in Aizawl district in northern Mizoram bordering Manipur and Assam.

SDPO Zarzoliana, who was shot in the abdomen, has been airlifted to Aizawl for emergency treatment. Another injured policeman was shifted to a nearby government hospital.

"The HPC-D guerrillas suddenly attacked the police party from a hill top killing the three policemen on the spot. Two other police personnel, including the SDPO, were injured in the ambush. The rebels managed to escape when the other policemen retaliated," Deputy Inspector General of Police (northern range) L. T.Hrangchal said.

He said "the three MLAs of the Mizoram assembly, including a woman, and other accompanying officials were reported to be safe".

The militant attack took place at Zokhawthiang village close to the Tuiruang river that separates the three states -- Mizoram, Manipur and Assam.

Aizawl district police chief C. Laldina along with additional security forces has rushed to the area.

The three legislators led by the chairman of the Mizoram assembly committee on government assurances, R. L. Pianmawia, and accompanied by officials were on an official visit to the mountainous area, bordering Manipur, when the attack took place.

The other MLAs touring the area included Lalthanliana and Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu (lone woman MLA).

Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana held an emergency meeting with security officials and reviewed the situation.

The HPC-D militants, based in Manipur, have been demanding more political autonomy for the Hmar tribals in Manipur and Mizoram.