Dibrugarh: An active cadre of the NSCN (IM) was apprehended during a special operation in the general area of Ledo in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district on Friday night.
The cadre was identified as SS Sergeant Major Yangsin Khocha, a resident of Phangsun village under Namtok Police Station in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district.
Acting on inputs regarding the presence of an NSCN (IM) cadre allegedly involved in weapon-related activities and the collection of extortion money, the 20 Assam Rifles launched a special operation in the area on Friday (August 28) and apprehended Khocha.
A mobile phone and a carry bag were recovered from his possession.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed information about the movement of other cadres in the area and their alleged activities targeting security forces.
The apprehended cadre was also found to be operating under the direction of previously apprehended NSCN (K-YA) cadre SS Captain Yumsen Kongkang, indicating a possible link between the two individuals within the insurgent network operating in the region.
“During interrogation, Khocha provided information about the alleged infiltration of cadres along with weapons into the Changlang area. The cadres were planning attacks against security forces. They were also involved in the collection of extortion money,” an official said.
The latest arrest comes amid intensified operations by security forces against insurgent groups in eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
Recently, security forces apprehended an NSCN (R) cadre from the Khonsa area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district on Monday evening.
The apprehended cadre was identified as Tuwang Lowang, 34, alias Jeetu Siakia, a self-styled 2nd Lieutenant of the NSCN (R).
Acting on reliable inputs, a joint operation was conducted at 2 Mile and adjoining areas of Khonsa town by the Tirap Police, 44 Assam Rifles and 36th Battalion CRPF Khonsa. The operation was led by Inspector Kapseng Techi, Officer-in-Charge of Khonsa Police Station, during which Lowang was apprehended.
In another operation on Sunday, an active NSCN (IM) cadre was apprehended by the Assam Rifles in a joint operation with the Arunachal Pradesh Police in the general area of New Paniduria in Tirap district.
The apprehended individual was identified as Wangchan Wangsu, 31, a self-styled Private of the NSCN (IM).
Security forces have launched a major crackdown to dismantle insurgent networks operating in eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
“The arrest of NSCN cadres is a major success for security forces operating in the area. Recently, many cadres belonging to various factions of the NSCN have been apprehended,” an official said.
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