Arunachal MLA Tirong Aboh, 6 others killed in militant attack; NSCN (IM) hand feared
21 May 2019
Arunachal Pradesh sitting National People's Party (NPP) MLA from Khonsa West Assembly constituency, Tirong Aboh, and six others were killed in a militant attack today.
The police confirmed that Aboh had died, but refused to divulge details of the other victims.
According to reports, Aboh’s PSO is also said to be in a critical condition.
Aboh was seeking re-election from Khonsa West assembly seat was en route to his constituency from Assam, along with four civilians and two police personnel, when suspected militants opened fire at their vehicle at around 11.30 am, reports quoting Tirap deputy commissioner PN Thungon said.
NSCN (IM) militants are suspected to be behind the attack, which took place at Bogapani village of Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh.
In Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections were held concurrently with the Lok Sabha polls and the result will come on 23 May.
NPP chief and Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma expressed shock over the tragedy. "The NPP is extremely shocked and saddened by the news of the death of its MLA Shri Tirong Aboh (Arunachal Pradesh) and his family. We condemn the brutal attack and urge @rajnathsingh and @PMOIndia to take action against those responsible for such attack," Sangma tweeted.
Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju said he was "shocked and saddened by the brutal attack and tragic killing of MLA Shri Tirong Aboh of Arunachal Pradesh, his family including 11 people. Strongest possible action will be taken against those responsible for such dastardly attack."