Ahead of Assembly poll results, Arunachal Pradesh MLA shot dead

Suspected NSCN (IM) militants on Tuesday morning allegedly gunned down MLA Tirong Aboh and at least 10 others in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district, the police said.

Tirong Aboh, a sitting MLA from Khonsa West constituency, was seeking a re-election from the seat on National People’s Party (NPP) ticket. The Conrad Sangma-led NPP is an ally of the BJP in northeastern states.

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

Tirap deputy commissioner PN Thungon said Aboh was on his way to his constituency from Assam, along with four civilians and two police personnel, when the suspected rebels opened fire at their vehicle near Bogapani village around 11.30 am, PTI reported.

At least seven of them died on the spot, he said, adding that more details were awaited.

Condemning the attack, NPP president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has sought the intervention of the Prime Minister’s Office and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

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

Arunachal Pradesh went to polls simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections. Results for the Arunachal assembly polls, along with the general elections, will be announced on May 23.