AR busts extortion network in Arunachal; 3 NSCN (R) cadres held

Dimapur, May 19 (EMN): In a major crackdown on insurgent groups in Changlang district, an operation was launched by the Changlang battalion of Assam Rifles on May 18, leading to the capture of three “hardcore” NSCN (R) insurgents including a local area commander, self-styled captain Wangjang Pangtha of the NSCN (R) from old Shallang village, of Changlang district.

Acting on specific input, troops of the Assam Rifles cordoned Shallang village and in subsequent search operations apprehended Pangtha along with two other insurgents, “self styled sergeant” Rajapio Limglang Tutsha and “self styled private” Chamol Jungli, a Defence PRO press release informed.

The cadres were found in possession of AK -56 assault rifle, one M-20 pistol with live ammunition, mobile phones with multiple sim cards and other incriminating evidence, the updates stated.

During post-spot interrogation, the PRO stated, the cadres admitted allegiance to the NSCN (R) and that the trio under the self-styled captain had been running an extortion network in Changlang.

The group was also involved in intimidation of the local population during the general elections this year, it stated. “Extortion activities by insurgents in south Arunachal Pradesh has been a constant issue of concern. There have been reports of various faction of NSCN carrying out extortion activities in the region since the beginning of the year,” the PRO’s updates stated.