IMPHAL, May 24 (IANS): The bodies of the six troopers of 29 Assam Rifles who were killed in an ambush in Manipur's Chandel district on Sunday, were flown to their homes on Tuesday for the last rites.
Earlier, the Manipur government paid tribute with full state honours to the six troopers at the Tulihal international airport.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on behalf of the government laid wreaths on the coffins of the soldiers and said: "The attack was a cowardly one. Manipur joins the nation in condemning the attack. The perpetrators shall not be spared."
Lt. Gen. A. Krishna, Commander of the Spear Corps, said: "Some sections may feel that the Sunday attack is a serious setback. It is not so for the army. It has not diluted the resilience of the army which is trained to overcome it. We will hit back and there will be befitting revenge."
Meanwhile, the attack evoked widespread condemnation. The Kuki Chiefs Association, the Thadou Students' Association and the Kuki Students' Organisation condemned the ambush.
The joint statement said, "The ambush has caused panic among the villagers in general and women in particular. Daily wage earners who have to venture out everyday are obstructed."
Six troopers were killed when an Assam Rifles convoy was ambushed on Sunday in Manipur's Chandel district by insurgents of the Corcom, the apex body of six proscribed underground organisations.
