The Assam Rifles has paid tribute to Havildar Mohammad Iqbal, who was killed in the line of duty after an improvised explosive device (IED) struck an Assam Rifles convoy in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district on Monday. Several other personnel were injured in the attack, which has prompted an intensified security operation in the area. The explosion took place near Sokhuvi village when unidentified miscreants targeted the moving convoy. Initial reports had suggested that three personnel were killed in the blast. However, official confirmation later clarified that one soldier, Havildar Mohammad Iqbal, made the supreme sacrifice in the attack. The injured personnel were shifted to a medical facility for treatment, although officials have not yet disclosed their condition.
Paying homage to the fallen soldier, Director General of Assam Rifles Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, along with all ranks of the force, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family. In an official statement, the force said, “Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles & All Ranks of Assam Rifles pay solemn tribute to Hav Mohd Iqbal who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Nagaland today and offer deep condolences to the family of our brave soldier. DG Assam Rifles & All Ranks of Assam Rifles stand firmly with the bereaved family.” The attack is the second IED strike targeting security forces in Chumoukedima district within a week, raising fresh security concerns in the region. Soon after the blast, personnel of the Assam Rifles and Dimapur Police launched a joint search operation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Security has also been tightened in and around the attack site as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, retired Army officer and Kirti Chakra awardee Major Digvijay Singh Rawat claimed in a post on X that the attack was carried out by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), or NSCN (IM). He also alleged that the outfit had worked with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in previous attacks on security forces. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the involvement of any insurgent group in the latest attack, and no organisation has claimed responsibility so far. Security agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident.