Assam Rifles jawan killed in IED blast in Nagaland

Representative image. | Photo credit: ANI

Assam Rifles jawan Havildar Mohd Iqbal was killed and four others of the paramilitary force were injured in a bomb blast in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district on Monday (July 13, 2026) afternoon.

According to the authorities, the condition of one of the injured is critical.

A defense spokesman in Nagaland’s capital Kohima said the blast near Sukhovi was suspected to be an improvised explosive device. The victims were reportedly returning in a convoy of vehicles to Dimapur, the state’s commercial hub, when the explosion occurred. “Operation underway,” he said without elaborating.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Chomoukedim Nikho Venuh confirmed the incident. “A bomb disposal squad has rushed to the scene to ascertain the nature of the blast,” he said.

A video on social media showed local people evacuating some of the injured in private vehicles.

Officials did not rule out the possibility of a targeted attack on paramilitary forces. Last week, suspected extremists ambushed an Assam Rifles patrol in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, killing two members.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said: “The Chümoukedima bomb blast is a cowardly act that has no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected. Those responsible will be identified and brought to justice. We will not allow such acts to threaten the peace and security of our people.”

Published – 13 Jul 2026 18:39 IST