Kohima: Days after rescuing six civilians allegedly abducted by the NSCN-IM, the Assam Rifles (AR) launched a follow-up operation and raided the house of the alleged mastermind.
PRO Defence informed that they searched the residence of self-styled (SS) Major Athong Sangtham of Bamunpukhari village. The name of the senior NSCN-IM cadre, it said, was disclosed during the questioning of five NSCN-IM cadres arrested on April 28.
Although the self-styled major was at large, recoveries made included Rs 40,000, 87 note counterfeit notes of Rs 500 (87 notes), a radio set with charger, two smartphones, one mobile, one Air Gun Rifle with scope (without number), two NSCN Flags, NSCN-IM documents, and a Maruti Alto 800 (NL 07 CV 9198).
“Operations to nab the mastermind based on leads given during questioning of arrested cadres is under progress. The recovered stores were handed over to police,” it said.
The NSCN-IM had clarified why the civilians were “detained”. In an official update, the group said that Huvito was detained on April 13 on loan fraud and Raj Kumar Das and Raj Kumar Gupta were detained on April 21 for possessing illegal SP capsules (about 15,000 pieces) and about 100 kg of ganja. Another person, Mulutayo, was detained on April 25 for loan fraud and Piyar Ali was detained on April 27 for possessing two soap cases of drugs (heroin) while Akito Kiba was detained on April 27 for document forgery.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The NSCN-IM had said that it will continue to hunt for any anti-social elements such as suppliers of drugs and other harmful chemicals which are trying to uproot the young Naga generation of their careers and life and any elements trying to sabotage the unblemished and noble cause is questionable and unacceptable.
It had also appealed to law enforcement agencies, including Assam Rifles
to nab inter-state drug traffickers and bring them before the law if they really wanted to rescue people rather than focusing only on rescuing drug peddlers, fraudsters and criminals.
Also Read | Oil India Limited plans extensive exploration in Northeast India