Armed militants launched an offensive targeting the Army at Piyong between Namsai and Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh early Wednesday morning in which one Army jawan has been killed.
The United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) has claimed responsibility of the attack.
Militants had blown up a short span bridge in the area which is mainly used by Army personnel for movement in the region.
According to sources, the militants targeted an Army vehicle returning from an anti-insurgency operation.
The Army vehicle had a narrow escape as the bomb exploded moments after the vehicle had crossed the bridge. However, the vehicle sustained minor damage from the impact of the explosion. No men in uniform were injured in the attack.
Army sources later told Northeast Now that a fierce gun-battle followed between the militants and the Army personnel resulting in one of the militants sustaining serious injuries.
One Army jawan also succumbed to his injuries, informed sources.
Notably, the area where the attack has taken place at Piyong between Namsai and Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh is close to Tinsukia district in Assam.
The strategic location of the region has helped several militant organizations of the north-eastern region to set up hideouts in the area and have been executing subversive activities from the area.
The militants holed up in the region have been exhibiting their show of strength for the last fey days.
Meanwhile, sensation prevails in the entire area even as the Army has launched massive hunt to flush out holed up militants from the area.
The attack assumes significance with the fact that the 69th Republic Day is just round the corner. Today’s incident has exposed the claim that security in the area has been heightened ahead of the Republic Day celebration in the country.