Search operations in Tirap & Changlang jungles by Indian army and Assam Rifles to flush out insurgents

* Locals support action

KOHIMA: As part of overall operations to flush out insurgents from the jungles of Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, the Army and Assam Rifles along with the police and the civil administration have intensified their joint operations.

The locals are wholeheartedly supporting the action by the security forces. Over the last one week, 11 suspected individuals have been handed over to the police for further investigation. The operations have also resulted in the recovery of certain stores which are being analyzed for further intelligence inputs, stated a PIB (defence wing) release.

Meanwhile, the civil society of Arunachal has unequivocally condemned the killing of Khonsa West MLA Tirong Aboh and 10 others. The Tirap, Changlang, Longding Baptist Christian Fellowship (TCLBCF) has sought a CBI inquiry into the Tirap massacre. It organized candlelight marches in Lazu, Khonsa and Deomali in Tirap district and Kharsang in Changlang district on Saturday to protest the killings. On the other hand, the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) in a representation to the Chief Minister demanded that the State government hold a discussion on the law-and-order situation in Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) districts in its first Cabinet meeting. It also urged the Centre to immediately scrap “the so-called ceasefire agreement” with the NSCN (IM). In a show of solidarity, locals participated in an anti NSCN(IM) rally at Khonsa.

Senior Army officials are in constant touch with the State government and the situation is being monitored. The Army and Assam Rifles in coordination with other Central and State Government agencies are conducting intensive operations aimed at clearing the areas of any inimical elements and enhance security amongst the local population, the release added.

Also read: Arunachal news