IMPHAL, July 31 - Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today paid his last respects to the three Assam Rifles soldiers who were killed in a militant strike near Khongtal area of Chandel district on July 29.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Manipur DGP LM Khaute, MLA L Sushindro and other top military officers, laid wreaths on the mortal remains of the three personnel of the 4 Assam Rifles, at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport here this morning.
Brig DS Shishodia, Deputy IG of Assam Rifles (South), Brig Deepak Joshi, Commander of 9 Sector Assam Rifles, and Col Prashant Misra of Col �A� 57 Mountain Division, were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Biren Singh said there is no place for violence in a democratic country like India. He reiterated that the Government would not remain a silent spectator to such dastardly attacks, and that it would track down the perpetrators of the crime. At the same time, the Chief Minister appealed to the armed groups of the State to shun violence and come forward for a political solution.
Biren Singh stated that the Government would provide suitable assistance to the families of the martyred personnel belonging to Manipur. The matter will be discussed in the State Cabinet.
Later, the Chief Minister met the family members of Ratan Salam, one of the three slain Assam Rifles soldiers.
The three Assam Rifles personnel were killed and five others sustained injuries in the ambush that took place on Wednesday evening. The MNPF, RPF and ULFA(I) have jointly claimed responsibility for the ambush.
Meanwhile, on the existing COVID-19 situation in Manipur, Biren Singh said that the Government has been trying its best to save every single life.
