CHANGLANG, May 19: The security forces here have struck a blow to the NSCN (R) by apprehending the outfit’s operation commander of Changlang town and two other members of the insurgent group.
Self-styled (SS) captain Wangjan Panghta (34), SS private Limglang Tutsa (20), and Chamol Jugli (30) were arrested from Old Shallang village during a joint operation conducted by the Changlang battalion of the Assam Rifles and the police engaged in a counter-insurgency operation on 18 May, a defence release said.
The group was allegedly involved in intimidating the local populace during the elections this year.
Security forces seized one AK-56 rifle with 20 rounds, one M-20 pistol with 14 rounds, three mobile phones, and other incriminating documents from the possession of the operatives.
Pangtha, who was in the NSCN (K) for nine years, had joined the ‘R’ faction of the outfit in 2017, and became the outfit’s operations manager in Changlang town. He was allegedly engaged in extortion activities, collecting cash from shops, government departments, contractors, and even from the villagers.
During interrogation, it came to light that “they were planning to carry out hostile activities during and after the declaration of the Lok Sabha and the state assembly elections results,” according to the release.
All the nabbed militants have been handed over to the police station here. (With DIPRO input)
