Imphal, December 31
In a major attack ahead of New Year celebration, gunmen killed Inspector-General of Police (Intelligence) Tungkut Thangthuam, his bodyguard Havildar, S. Khamkhanjam Paite and critically injured three policemen in an ambush at Oinam in Manipur’s Bishenpur district today.
Mr Thangtham (53) was returning here from Churachandpur along with his son and daughter-in-law when they were attacked, the police said and added that the relatives of the slain police officer were safe.
The People’s Liberation Army tonight claimed responsibility for Mr Thangtham’s killing.
A spokesman for the PLA rang up the local media tonight, saying that it was responsible for the killing, but gave no reason for the crime.
The car in which the IGP was travelling along with his escort commander, was badly damaged following bombing by the guerrillas.
The police said the militants could have used lethod bombs to carry out the attack. After attacking with powerful lethod bombs, the guerrillas fired on the targets and fled.
The state Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh convened an emergency meeting to condemn the dastardly act and ordered combing operation to arrest the militants.
A massive manhunt has
been
launched at Bishenpur district to nab the culprits. The police entered Laimaram village where suspected militants were seen running away after the ambush.The Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, senior civil and police officials paid floral tributes to the martyrs.
After
autopsy at RIMS the bodies were taken to their respective quarters and would be taken to Churachandpur district for the funeral service.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has denounced the dastardly killing of Manipur Inspector-General of Police (Intelligence) T. Thangthuam at Oinam Bazar this morning.
He expressed shock at the “cowardly act,” and has conveyed condolences to the family of the officer.
— UNI
