Security forces gun down NSCN(K) cadre in Longding

From our correspondent

Itagar, Dec 12: In a major blow to the NSCN (K) active in Longding district of Aruchal Pradesh, security forces in an operation shot dead a hardcore cadre of the outfit near Tissa Village in the district Monday evening.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs about NSCN (K) cadres carrying out extortion activities in the village, the Khonsa battalion of Assam Rifles swiftly launched an operation and cordoned a house, Defence Spokesman Col Chiranjeet Konwer said.

“On approaching the house, the security personnel noticed two suspected cadres trying to flee the scene. The personnel challenged the militants and asked them to surrender, but the militants opened fire. During an exchange of fire between the militants and security personnel, one cadre died on the spot while the other escaped taking advantage of darkness and dense foliage,” the spokesman said.

A Colt pistol, a radio set and other incrimiting documents were recovered from the slain militant. The search for the escaped militant is still in progress, Konwer said. Since the beginning of November, reports of NSCN (K) and ULFA carrying out extortion activities in the area had been received and a proactive strategy was adopted by the security forces to deter the rebel groups.

The security forces has been carrying out aggressive operations in South Aruchal Pradesh and the incident has struck a blow to the illegal activities being carried out by the cadres of the outfit in the area, the spokesman added.