EMN
Dimapur, November 12
Security forces have apprehended several armed NSCN (R) cadres during November 3-5, besides some other persons the Assam Rifles said were ‘arms peddlers.’ The Assam Rifles issued a press release on Thursday informing about the arrest.
“Between 03 Nov and 05 Nov 15, 37 Assam Rifles under aegis of Headquarter 6 Sector Assam Rifles conducted three successful operations in quick succession in the areas of Khehoi village, 5th Mile and Super Market, resulting in recovery of five weapons, 153 rounds of live assorted ammunition along with apprehension of two NSCN (R) cadres and four arms peddlers,” the press release stated.
On November 3, an operation was launched jointly by the 37th Assam Rifles and 32nd Assam Rifles based on information regarding presence of arms peddler with weapons in a house near Khehoi village. During the operation, suspected house was searched, which led to apprehension of one suspected arms peddler along with recovery of one point 22 Rifle, one point 303 Rifle and 143 rounds of live assorted ammunition,” the security force stated.
The apprehended ‘arms peddler’ was identified by the Assam Rifles as one Khetoho Aye, a 20 year-old resident of Khehoi village in Dimapur.
The second operation was launched by the 37th Assam Rifles on November 4, which resulted in the capture of one self-styled “Lieutenant” and a suspected cadre of NSCN (R).
“The operation was conducted based on information regarding extortion activities in the area of Chumukedima. As part of operation multiple surveillances were established in general area Chumukedima and 5th Mile which led to successful interception of the active cadres along with recovery of one illegal weapon and ten live rounds,” the security force said.
The army has identified the apprehended individuals as “number 18680” self-styled lieutenant Akavi Chophy, 27 years, and Mughato Achumi, 33 years.
“The third operation was launched by 37 Assam Rifles on 05 Nov 15, based on information regarding likely arms deal near 7th Mile, Chumukedima. On spotting two suspected individuals near 7th Mile, pursuit was undertaken, resulting in interception of the individuals near Super Market, Dimapur. Search of suspected individuals led to recovery of one illegal weapon,’ the Assam Rifles said.
“On spot questioning individual admitted that they had come to Chumukedima / Dimapur to trade weapons and further revealed the presence of another weapon in Purana Bazaar. Immediately, the area was searched and one more illegal weapon was recovered,” the Assam Rifles said.
“The apprehended arms peddlers were identified as Mr Athrongse Anar (28 years), s/o – Chotingse Anar and Mr Aripa Yeps (28 years), s/o – Thalimong,” the press release stated.
“The conduct of pro-active operations and successful interception/ apprehension of cadre/ arms peddlers have served a severe dent to extortion and illegal arms nexus in Chumukedima/ Dimapur. The operation have thus contributed towards improvement of security situation in the area,” the army added..
