NSCN (IM) cadre killed in Arunachal

Our correspondent

Itanagar, May 26: A self-styled sergeant of the NSCN (IM) was killed during an operation by security forces in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday evening, defence sources said on Saturday. The Khonsa Battlion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of DAO Division killed the rebel identified as Pangang Gangsa during an operation being carried out near Nignu Village in the district on Friday evening, while another militant of the outfit managed to escape, Kohima based Defence spokesman Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said .

The battalion, while approaching the suspected hut where the cadres were staying, was fired upon by a militant who was standing outside the hut, he also started shouting to warn the other cadre and tried to flee.

The second militant came out from the hut and started firing on the security forces which forced the battalion to retaliated leading to the death of the militant. The other cadre, however, exploiting the jungle and dense foliage managed to escape.

A pistol with ammunition, grenades and other incriminating documents were also recovered from the slain militant.

The cadre was previously with the NSCN (K) and was involved in ambush against security forces personnel on December 3, 2016 in the village wherein two soldiers were martyred.

Since early May this year, reports of NSCN (IM) carrying out extortion activities in the district had been received and a proactive strategy was adopted by the security forces to deter the undergrounds.