Ukhrul, October 31: In a major attack launched by underground cadres this morning at a place within Phungyar constituency of Ukhrul district three Assam Rifles jawans including a Major were killed while seven others sustained injuries.

A press release issued by Assam Rifles PRO informed that a vehicle column of 1 AR moving from Sorde to Kasong were fired upon at Sorbung village under Phungyar sub-division of Ukhrul district resulting in the loss of life of three soldiers including one officer and injuries to seven soldiers.

According to information received by press, troops of 1 AR posted at Sorde under Phungyar sub-division were travelling to a place called Kasong when they came under heavy attack from well-equipped UG cadres near Sorbung about 83 kms away from the Ukhrul district Hqs at about 8.45 am.

The UG cadres who were lying in ambush used automatic rifles and bombs in their attack against the AR convoy consisting of two vehicles.

Even as the AR troops took their position and retaliated, a Major and two personnel were killed on the spot while seven others sustained injuries of varying degrees.

After launching the assault, the UG cadres reportedly withdrew from the site hurriedly.

Unofficial sources said that the UG cadres also took away several weapons from the AR troops.

With the arrival of reinforcements and additional forces, a massive search operation was launched in the surrounding areas but there is no report of any arrest or breakthrough.

The slain and injured jawans were airlifted by army helicopter and brought to Imphal.

The injured personnel are being treated at Leimakhong military hospital.

The deceased Major is identified as Ravi Vaish while the other two slain personnel are Riflemen Gyaneshwar Prasad and H Sahinti.

The injured personnel are identified as Havildar Ajit S Dogra, Havildar Bhim Dev, Rifleman BN Sharma, Rifleman IS Chhetry, Rifleman GD Dhanajit, Rifleman Bronbil Momen and Rifleman H Sainti.

It is reported that both the AR vehicles suffered severe damages.

Till this evening, no UG group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

It is reported that a police team led by Phungyar SDPO have also moved in to the site.

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