Imphal : An Indian Army Soldier on leave was abducted and shot dead by unknown armed men at an area at Khumethek village under the Sagolmang police station in Imphal East district on Sunday, the police said. Sepoy Serto Thangthang Kom, 39, was on leave and was abducted from his home in Tarung, Neikanlong, Happy Valley, Imphal West district on Saturday at around 10 a.m.

The statement of his 10-year-old son, who is the only eyewitness to the crime, said that three miscreants entered the home while the father and son were working on the porch placed a pistol on his father’s head, and forced him into a white-colored car, and drove away with him.

His body was found at Khuningthek Village, East of Mongjam under Sogolmang Police Station, Imphal East on Sunday at around 9 am. His identity was confirmed by his Brother and Brother-in-law, who stated that the soldier had been murdered by a single bullet in his head. His body was deposited at the mortuary of the JNIMS, hospital, Imphal East district on Sunday for legal proceedings.

A defense wing press statement said that the Brave Soldier who was deployed at Leimakhong Military Station, Manipur, and breathed his last at the hand of miscreants is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son. The last rites shall be conducted as per the wishes of the family. The army has rushed a team to assist the bereaved family in all manners possible.

Army strongly condemns the killing of Sep Serto Thangthang Kom and stands by his family in these difficult times. The Kom tribe, is one of the indigenous people of Manipur and one of the smallest among the minorities in the state. The Kom tribe has always maintained neutrality in all matters in the state.