Arunachal Police bust militant network involved in trafficking, arms smuggling

Itanagar Police have made significant headway in dismantling a dangerous militant organisation operating under the names National Socialist Council for Taniland (NSCT) and its armed wing, the United Tani Army (UTA).

 

The investigation began January 8 when authorities discovered threatening videos and letters circulating on social media from the group and its self-proclaimed Commander-in-Chief, Anthony Doke, a criminal with over 20 previous cases involving extortion and firearms violations.

 

"We immediately registered a criminal case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act," read an official statement.

 

The early phase of the operation led to the arrest of two key recruiters, Tana Hasi and Techi Bidu, who were targeting vulnerable youth from marginalised communities. Intelligence revealed they had attempted to traffic a young boy from Tarasso to Myanmar under false pretences, intending to force him into a militant training camp.

 

More disturbing evidence emerged showing three boys had already been smuggled out of Itanagar, allegedly for a YouTube production, only to be forcibly conscripted into the UTA's militant ranks. Two have since returned with harrowing accounts of torture and psychological abuse during their captivity.

 

Police recovered an illegal firearm from Tana Hasi that was reportedly given to him by Doke for future criminal activities in the capital city.

 

The investigation intensified on April 30 when authorities identified Biro Gumja Tamin as a central operative with connections to NSCN-KYA. Tamin, who allegedly extorted contractors to fund insurgent operations, was arrested with a foreign-made pistol and substantial ammunition.

 

"Tamin's interrogation broke open a sophisticated arms trafficking network with roots in Itanagar and connections to insurgent groups in neighbouring states," the statement read.

 

Subsequent raids led to the arrest of another accomplice, Tapa Nungnu, and the seizure of additional weapons, ammunition, and cash believed to be proceeds from illegal arms sales.

 

Police have registered a new case (No. 72/25) targeting the wider network responsible for distributing and concealing illegal weapons.

 

The investigation has also uncovered connections to narcotics trafficking in the Gohpur-Chimpu corridor, resulting in a separate case (No. 25/25) and two additional arrests with drug seizures.

 

Authorities continue coordinating with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to trace all collaborators in this network that threatens regional security through militancy, arms trafficking, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

 

Police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activity or information regarding missing persons, as public cooperation remains essential in countering these security threats.