DIMAPUR, JUNE 28: In a series of operations between June 22 to 24, units of IGAR(N) 37 Assam Rifles and 28 Assam Rifles busted an abduction plot of Manipur based PREPAK insurgent group. In a press note issued by the IGAR (N) 37 and 28 AR’s, it stated that the plan for abduction of Bulk Petroleum Lorry (BPL) drivers of Assam Oil Company was hatched in the adjoining areas of Dimapur and was to be executed at Lahorijan area under Karbi anglong district, Assam on June 27. The press note stated that in these operations one ‘self-styled’ Sergeant Major of PREPAK and four Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the same group were apprehended. Two weapons and ammunition were recovered from the apprehended cadre/OGWs.
According to the press statement, the plan for abducting BPL drivers was conceived by PREPAK to extort money from Assam Oil Company. Accordingly three OGWs of Dimapur area were tasked in May this year but failed to execute the plan. Subsequently two persons from Manipur (one self-styled Sergeant Major and one OGW) were inducted into Dimapur in the first week of June.The five apprehended persons confirmed that they have met several times to coordinate their abduction plan and had arranged chloroform from Manipur and Myanmar and a local car (silver-coloured Maruti Esteem) which is under repair at Chumukedima to facilitate the abduction. They had also earmarked a hideout location at Tinephye-1 village to keep the abducted victim, stated the press note.
The apprehended cadres/OGWs have been identified as ‘self-styled’ Sergeant Major Romeo Khumanthem, resident of Khumbi (Manipur); Lourenbam Nabakishore Singh, age 55 yrs, r/o Intham (Manipur), Mona Singh, age 28 yrs, r/o Chumukedima, Prodip Das, age 24 yrs, r/o Bokajan and Kivi Yeptho, age 22 yrs r/o Chumukedima.
According to the press statement, the trend of PREPAK carrying out nefarious activities at Dimapur and Lahorijan has been unearthed for the first time. These areas are traditionally considered to be strongholds of NSCN (IM) or NDFB (S),it claimed. “Self-styled” Sergeant Major Romeo is also suspected to be involved in one of the ghastly attacks in Chandel district of Manipur on May 21, 2016 in which six personnel of Assam Rifles were killed.
