Security force kills NSCN cadre in Tirap district

Itanagar: In a major offensive to the NSCN, security forces in Arunachal Pradesh killed a hardcore cadre of the outfit on Saturday morning, defence sources said.

The Khonsa battalion of Assam Rifles during an exchange of fire killed the cadre near Laptang Village in Tirap district, Kohima-based Defence spokesman Col Chiranjeet Konwer informed.

Acting on specific intelligence about NSCN cadres carrying out extortion from villagers, the battalion swiftly launched an operation. During search of the area, the column noticed a few suspected cadres trying to flee.

“The column challenged the militants and asked them to surrender. However, the fleeing militants opened fire on the column who retaliated and brought down controlled effective fire on the fleeing militant and eliminate one cadre,” the spokesman said in a communiqué.

The other cadres, however, managed to escape using cover of dense foliage.

During search, the column found the hardcore cadre who had succumbed to bullet injuries. A HK33 automatic rifle, large quantities of ammunition and other incriminating documents were also recovered from the dead rebel.

The search of the area for the escaped militants is still in progress and identity of the neutralized cadre is being determined, the spokesman said.

Since beginning of this month, there were reports of NSCN cadres carrying out extortion activities in the district and accordingly, a proactive strategy was adopted by the security forces to deter the group. Security Forces under the aegis of Dao Division has been carrying out relentless operations to maintain peace and tranquillity in the district, the spokesman added.

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