3 policemen killed, 5 injured in militant attack in Aizawl

Three armed policemen were killed and five others injured when suspected militants belonging to Hmar People's Convention-Democracy attacked members of an assembly panel in Zokhawthiang in Aizawl district bordering Manipur, police said.

Deputy Inspector General Northern Range, L T Hrangchal told PTI that R L Pianmawia, chairman of the 'Mizoram Assembly Committee on Government Assurances' and two other members -- Lalthanliana and lone woman legislator Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu -- accompanied by state assembly officials were on official tour to the area when the militants ambushed their vehicle at around 8.30 am.

Three people, including Sub-Inspector Zoramthara Khawlhring, driver Chuailova and constable Hmangaihmawia, all belonging to the First battalion of the Mizoram Armed Police, died, he said.

Five people including Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Sakawrdai, Zarzoliana suffered bullet injuries in the ambush. Besides Zarzoliana, Havildar Vanthuama, Lalchhuanmawma (driver of the committee on government assurances chairman R L Pianmawia), Constable Lalkhawngaiha and peon of the assembly secretariat Zohminga were injured, the DIG said.

Those injured were being brought to Aizawl for medical treatment by helicopter. The three legislators and other officials were reported to have been safe.

The assembly committee members were stated to have been guarded by a few armed policemen and accompanied by SDPO Zarzoliana and Zoramthanga Khawlhring when the ambushtook place.

The HPC-D militants seized two AK-47 Assault Rifles and four pistols from the policemen before escaping across the Mizoram-Manipur-Assam border.

Image: Representation picture