At least 11 persons, including the sitting National People’s Party MLA Tirong Aboh from Khonsa West in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, were killed in an attack by militants today. Initial reports suggest the attack was carried out by suspected National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) militants.
The incident took place around 11:30 am at Bogapani, nearly 25 km from district headquarters Khonsa in south-eastern when the convoy of Arunachal MLA Tirong Aboh was attacked. The deceased MLA was also the NPP candidate for the Khonsa West assembly seat. Polling for 60 assembly seats along with the two Lok Sabha seats in the state took place on April 11.
*Disturbing images* Tirong Aboh sitting MLA in Arunachal Pradesh killed with 11 others including family members in Tirap District. Killed by suspected #NSCN terrorists. State urges Centre to take strictest action against the perpetrators. (@KirenRijiju @SangmaConrad @IndiaToday) pic.twitter.com/pJQqrM5quu
— GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) May 21, 2019
Several family members of Aboh, including his son, are also believed to have been killed in the attack.
In March, a group of NSCN cadres belonging to the Isak-Muivah faction of the outfit had attacked two NPP supporters in Tirap district. One of them died while the other was critically injured.
NPP president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma tweeted-
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.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) May 21, 2019
Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said “strongest action” would be taken against the perpetrators of such an act.
I'm 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.
— Chowkidar Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 21, 2019
Sadly, the world is observing Anti-Terrorism day today.
