General Bipin Rawat was briefed about ongoing counter-assault operation along the India-Myanmar border
A red alert has been issued and security has been tightened across North-east India ahead of the Republic Day, after two jawans were attacked by terrorists on National Highway-153 near the India-Myanmar border on Sunday.
Army chief General Bipin Rawat today chaired a crucial counterinsurgency meeting in central Assam's Tezpur wherein, sources said, he was briefed about fresh strategy to counter potential threats as well as the ongoing counter-assault operation along the India-Myanmar border.
On Sunday, two soldiers of Assam Rifle - K Wangshu and LGV Ngaithe - were leading a road opening party on National Highway-153 when they were attacked by a group of terrorists. The soldiers were martyred following a hand-to-hand combat. The two terrorists were, subsequently, neutralised in counterattacks.
A collective of northeast terror groups, identified as United Liberation Front of Western South Asia (UNLFWA), has claimed responsibility for the attack. It has, further, called for a total boycott and shutdown ahead of the Republic Day celebrations which have triggered a red alert across the Northeast, barring Sikkim.
"There was a lot of tourist movement. Thus, our troops were conducting area domination and the scouts came under attack from the terrorists," said defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Suneet Newton in Guwahati.
Three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and landmines were recovered in combing operations. Sporadic operations, too, are underway.
"After searching the entire area, we would be able to tell more about the terrorists. Eye-witnesses have said that the terror groups have 15 to 20 rebels," said Tinsukia's Superintendent of Police MJ Mahanta.
Since 2015, after the UNLFWA came into existence, 71 soldiers have been martyred in 10 major attacks in the northeast.