Militants kill local MP, at least 6 others, in NE India

A state legislator in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and at least six others were killed yesterday in an attack by suspected separatist militants, police said. Lawmaker Tirong Aboh and some family members were killed when insurgents opened fire on their vehicle in the Tirap district of the state, police said. One senior police official said the death toll could be much higher.

“We believe 11 people have been killed, including a member of the legislative assembly,” a top officer told AFP on condition of anonymity. The officer said reinforcements had been rushed to the area. Police are yet to confirm the identity of the other victims.

Militants belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), one of several separatist groups in the area, are suspected to have carried out the attack after making threats to Aboh. NPP Chief Conrad Sangma condemned the incident and urged the Indian government to take action against those responsible.