Assam Rifles busts extortion network, arrests three NSCN (R) cadres in Changlang

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Security forces in Arunachal Pradesh apprehended three hardcore cadres of the NSCN (R) who were allegedly carrying out extortion activities in Changlang district, a senior defence official said Sunday.

In a major crackdown on the rebel group, the Changlang battalion of Assam Rifles launched an operation on Saturday night and apprehended three cadres of the NSCN (R) including its local area commander from Old Shallang Village in the district.

The apprehended cadres were identified as self-styled Captain Wangjang Pangtha, who was the area commander, self-styled sergeant Limglang Tutsha and self-styled private Chamol Jungli, Kohima-based defence spokesman Col Chiranjit Konwer informed.

The cadres were found in possession of a AK -56 assault rifle, one M-20 pistol with live ammunition, mobile phones with multiple sim cards and other incriminating evidence, the spokesman informed.

On interrogation, the cadres admitted their allegiance to NSCN(R) and further admitted that the trio under the self-styled captain had been running the extortion network in the district, the spokesman said adding, the group was also involved in intimidation of local population during the April 11 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the district.

The rebels were later handed over to the district police.

Extortion activities by insurgents in South Arunachal Pradesh have been a constant issue of concern. Since beginning of the year, reports of a various faction of NSCN carrying out extortion activities in the region had been received and a proactive strategy was adopted by security forces under the aegis of Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) to deter the rebel groups.

The operations of security forces in South Arunachal has restricted the activities of the NSCN (R) to Changlang and with the apprehension of Wangjang Pangtha the Local area commander, would weaken the leadership of the group, the spokesman added.

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