Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Security forces swarmed Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district on Tuesday, July 14, hunting for the perpetrators of a deadly IED explosion. The blast hit a mini truck near Sukhovi around 2 p.m. on Monday, July 13. Havildar Mohd Iqbal of the 28 Assam Rifles died in the attack. The soldier was a native of Kallar Mohra village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district and joined the force in April 2003.
Four other Assam Rifles personnel suffered injuries but remain in stable condition. A civilian also sustained a leg injury from flying debris. An autorickshaw was shredded by the force of the blast. The Defence spokesperson confirmed that additional columns of the Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police are currently combing the region.
Iqbal leaves behind his wife, Nasim Akther, and three sons. His father, Choudhary Kalu, shared the family’s grief as they prepare for the soldier’s return this Thursday. "He had promised to come home again in a couple of months to help us during the grass-cutting season," his father said. The family had recently seen him when he returned from leave just over a month ago.
The NSCN-IM condemned the strike, labeling it a "cowardly terrorist act." The group denied involvement and called the use of anti-personnel mines unjustifiable. No other militant organizations have claimed responsibility for the assault. Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera honored the fallen soldier, while the village of Kallar prepares for full military funeral rites.
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