Three Assam Rifles personnel were killed and at least five were injured in an ambush by suspected People’s Liberation Army militants in Manipur’s Chandel district on Wednesday, NDTV reported. The Assam Rifles is yet to issue an official statement.

The incident took place at 6.30 pm on Wednesday along the border with Myanmar, according to The Indian Express. The injured personnel are said to be in a critical condition. A large reinforcement has been sent to the location.

The three dead soldiers were identified as havildar Pranay Kalita from Assam, rifleman Metha Konyak from Nagaland and rifleman Ratan Salam from Manipur.

A squad of 15 Assam Rifles soldiers were on a patrol in Chandel, when they were reportedly first hit with an improvised explosive device. This was then followed by an ambush with small arms and a grenade launcher.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the “cowardly attack”. “My heartfelt tribute to the three security personnel martyred in the attack,” he said. “These bravehearts have sacrificed their lives to bring peace and harmony in this region. I share the grief of the bereaved families.”