Security forces bust newly-floated militant group Dimasa National Liberation Tribal

A CORRESPONDENT

HAFLONG: In a joint combing operation by 11 Assam Rifles, Dima Hasao police and Karbi Anglong police, seven cadres, including leaders of the newly-floated militant organization Dimasa National Liberation Tribal (DNLT), were apprehended from several locations under Maibang subdivision on Wednesday.

"Militant organization floated on September 13 in Dima Hasao/ Karbi Anglong districts has been neutralized by Assam Police with arrest of all seven leaders/cadres and recovery of arms and explosives. Well done Karbi Anglong police and Dima Hasao police," tweeted Assam Special DGP (L&O) Gyanendra Pratap Singh.

After its formation, the group had called 36 hours bandh in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong district on September 13. Though the group have not mentioned any demands behind the bandh call, however there had been a speculation that the group was against bifurcation of Dima Hasao district into two. The bandh had affected the Dima Hasao district since all establishments remain closed. However, it did not affect the Karbi Anglong district.

As per source, leader of the group, Betsing Jidung surrendered before security forces three days prior the joint operation and another cadre was apprehended. The cadres were being pursued for the past few days as they were on the run post busting of their camp in the forest area of Dhansiri in Karbi Anglong.

Two pistols along with ammunition and two grenades were recovered from the group. The apprehended cadres and recoveries were handed to PS Maibang in the Dima Hasao district.

The top leader, Betsing Jidung, a resident of Daodikhro, Daldali in the Karbi Anglong district joined United People's Liberation Force (UPLF), a militant group active in Karbi Anglong in 2014, surrendered in 2015 with the entire group. Later, he joined the now under ceasefire group, Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) as a trainer in 2019 and surrendered in 2020. He formed DNLT with the support of NSCN (R) in August 2022.

Also read:  Assam's militant outfit DNLA extends ceasefire for another six months

Also watch: