Imphal, November 01: At least three jawans, two belonging to Ist IRB attached with the Imphal East Commandos and one belonging to Ist MR sustained injuries when unidentified armed persons ambushed the convoy parties of MLA C Doungel and DIG Range III Christopher Doungel near Saikul cemetery, 2 kms from Saikul Police Station.

The incident occurred at around 4.30 pm today while MLA C Doungel and DIG Range III Christopher Doungel were returning along with their escort parties after participating in the Kut festival organised by Saikul Block Level Kut Committee at Saikul Block ground.

The injured jawans have been identified as Rifleman of Ist IRB Lenin Maring (34) of Phunal Maring village, Rifleman Md Tahir Ali (28) of Kwakta Maronglou and Rifleman of Ist MR Ng Surjit (35) of Bishnupur Ngakchoupokpi.

Lenin was hit by bomb splinters on various parts of his body including face, chin, hand and leg.

Tahir Ali sustained injuries on his left knee and Surjit on his head.

All three of them have been admitted to JN Hospital here.

The MLA and the IPS officers are father and son.

As the convoy parties of the MLA and the DIG Range III approached the cemetery after crossing Saikul bridge, the unidentified gunmen launched the attack with lethode bomb and opened a fusillade of fire at the vehicle of the police commandos going just ahead of the vehicle carrying the MLA.

The vehicle of the DIG was going just behind that of the MLA when the militants launched the attack on the convoy.

Exchange of firing between the two parties lasted for around 10 minutes and the three jawans sustained injuries during the course of firing.

Reinforcement of security forces were also called in and launch a massive search operation in and around the area till late into the night.

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