Third Anniversary of Sehken Village Killings: KSO Demands Justice for Fallen Soldiers

Today marks the third anniversary of the tragic ambush that claimed the life of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, the Commanding Officer of 46 Assam Rifles, and six others, including his wife and young son. The attack occurred on November 13, 2021, near S Sehken village in Churachandpur district, close to the Indo-Myanmar border. Colonel Tripathi, who was returning to his battalion from the Behiang company post, was ambushed by Meitei militants while traveling with his family and Assam Rifles personnel.

The brutal assault resulted in the deaths of Colonel Tripathi, his wife, and six-year-old son, along with four Assam Rifles personnel. Additionally, six others, including a havildar, the commanding officer's driver, and members of the Quick Reaction Team, sustained injuries in the attack.

On this somber occasion, the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) General Headquarters expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased, honoring the immense sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers and their families. The KSO, which represents the Kuki community, reiterated its unwavering stance that the sacrifices of these soldiers should never be forgotten.

"We stand firm in our belief that justice must prevail," the KSO said in a statement. "The loss of Colonel Tripathi and his family, and the deaths of our brave Assam Rifles personnel, is a reminder of the tremendous risks our soldiers face in protecting our borders. Their sacrifice cannot be allowed to be in vain."

However, three years on, the KSO expressed grave concern over the lack of progress in bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice. Despite extensive investigations, those responsible for the ambush remain free and reportedly continue to operate with impunity. The KSO further accused the state government of allegedly shielding the militants behind the attack, complicating efforts to bring them to justice.

"These militants who carried out this heinous act are the same groups now actively involved in the ongoing violence against innocent Kuki civilians," the KSO noted. "It is deeply concerning that the authorities have failed to hold these groups accountable for both the attack on Colonel Tripathi and the violence plaguing our communities."

The KSO has called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to prioritize the capture and prosecution of the militants responsible for the attack. "The continued delay in holding these terror groups accountable is an affront to the memory of the fallen soldiers and to the ongoing fight for peace and justice in our region," the statement read.

As the anniversary of this brutal attack passes, the KSO has called for "swift and decisive action" to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that such tragic acts do not go unpunished. The organization stressed that the sacrifices made by Colonel Tripathi and his team must be respected through concrete steps toward accountability and justice.

The attack on Colonel Tripathi and his family remains one of the most devastating assaults on security forces in recent years, and the demand for justice for the victims continues to grow louder with each passing year. The KSO's call for immediate action underscores the deep frustrations felt by the Kuki community over the ongoing conflict and the lack of accountability for acts of violence in the region.