Assam Rifles jawan killed, four injured in Arunachal ambush

An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and four others injured after suspected militants ambushed a patrol team near the India-Myanmar border in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday (29 September). The attack occurred around 6.30 am near Nampong Nallah under Nampong Circle while personnel of the 21 Assam Rifles were patrolling an area where border fencing work was underway. The deceased was identified as Havildar Jankhokai Kuki, 42, a native of Manipur's Kangpokpi district who had served in the Assam Rifles for over two decades.

The Assam Rifles confirmed the death and paid tribute. The four injured personnel were evacuated for medical treatment, their condition was not immediately available. Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu said police had received information and were collecting details. Security forces have intensified operations in the area.

On 29 September, the NSCN/GPRN (YA Group) and the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) jointly claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a 'joint military action'. The claim could not be independently verified. Earlier, preliminary reports had suggested the involvement of NSCN (K-YA) militants, but there was no official confirmation.

Update, 30 September 2026: The Assam Tribune on 30 September reported that the NSCN/GPRN (YA Group) and the Revolutionary People's Front jointly claimed responsibility for the attack, a claim not independently verified. The same report identified Kuki as a native of Manipur's Kangpokpi district who later settled in Nagaland.