Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh pays tribute to army jawans killed in ambush

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Saturday paid his tribute and placed wreaths on the coffins of the 18 army soldiers who were martyred in Manipur's Chandel District by insurgents two days ago.

Assam Rifles sources said combing operations continued at Paralong, Charong, Moltuh and other areas to track down the insurgents who had launched the biggest attack in two decades on the army jawans, using landmines, rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons.

Eighteen persons, including 17 army personnel and a suspected militant, were killed in the ambush.

"All the bodies of army jawans killed in the ambush on Thursday have been identified," the sources here said.

Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag had inspected the site of ambush in Chandel district on Friday.

The general had a short discussion with the officers of the Army and Assam Rifles to work out a plan for operation and the future course of action.

Naga insurgent outfit NSCN (Khaplang), with which the Centre abrogated ceasefire in March, has claimed responsibility for the ambush.