Among those killed were Aboh's son and security personnel. Aboh had contested the recently held assembly polls in the state

GUWAHATI: NEW DELHI: Sitting MLA and NPP assembly poll candidate Tirong Aboh and 10 others were shot dead in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.

A home ministry official said terrorists from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) are suspected to behind the attack, adding that the place where Aboh was killed is under the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Among those killed were Aboh's son and security personnel. Aboh had contested the recently held assembly polls in the state.

A senior police official, who did not want to be named, told ET, “The MLA was on his way to his constituency from Assam when terrorists open fired at his vehicle near Bogapani village in the district around 11.30 am. We suspect the hand of NSCN-IM behind the incident.” Both factions of the NSCN-IM and Khaplang are active in Arunachal Pradesh. However NSCN-IM is observing a ceasefire and holding peace parleys with the central government. Last month, a breakaway faction of Khaplang, NSCN/KKhango also signed a ceasefire agreement for one year.

In an official communique, the state government said, “As per police report, 11 persons including the sitting MLA Khonsa West Tirong Aboh were ambushed and killed at 12th mile, 20 km in between Khonsa and Deomali road, by armed terrorists .”

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu expressed shock over the incident. He said befitting action would be initiated against those responsible.

The army has already launched its operations while additional forces from Changlang have been rushed to Khonsa.

Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju, who is Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal, tweeted, “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.”

Arunachal Pradesh home minister Kumar Waii, who ahead of the assembly polls had joined NPP, said, “I condemn this incident. This kind of incident has never taken place before.”