Assam Rifles jawan kills 6 colleagues

Imphal, Jan 22: A rifleman of the Assam Rifles killed six of his colleagues, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in Ukhrul district on Wednesday, Jan 21. The army and police have launched a massive manhunt for Shiney Medea, the rifleman who escaped after the murder with his service weapon.

The incident took place around 5 pm in the remote Awang Kasom Khullen area of the district. Medea of the 17th Assam Rifles had a quarrel with the JCO and allegedly started firing. Officer said that Medea hails from Nagaland. The victims have been identified as JCO Baldev Singh, Havildar Samshu Jama and riflemen Deewan Singh, W Islam, Nitish Kumar and Vikas Kumar.

Lt Col Nirupam Bhargava, Defence spokesman said, "this is a case of fratricidal killing. The jawan, posted at Awang kasom Khullen, which is a permanent vehicle check-post, had some discussion with the JCO. Apparently after the discussion, he fired at the JCO killing him on the spot. And in a bid to defend himself, he fired indiscriminately on others killing five more jawans."

Bhargava added that after firing Medea fled with his rifle. Also that the exact reason for killing will only be known once the accused is nabbed. Medea has been with Paramilitary Assam Rifles for past three-and-a-half-years and there has been no report of 'indiscipline' against him.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)