NSCN-IM rebels open fire on patrolling jawans in Arunachal's Tirap, 1 killed

Tirap: An Assam Rifles trooper was martyred in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district after suspected Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) rebels of the Isaak-Muivah faction opened fire on a joint patrol of police and army personnel on Wednesday (October 21), said reports. The encounter reportedly occurred near the Sanliam village in Tirap.

According to reports in the media, around 15-20 rebels of the Naga insurgent outfit opened fire on the jawans who were patrolling the area. Helicopters have now been deployed to the area for anti-insurgency ops.

This development comes days after the Assam Rifles neutralized a hardcore National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) (K-YA) cadre in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh on October 17.

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In May 2019, suspected NSCN-K militants had carried out a similar attack on an Assam Rifles water tanker in Nagaland's Mon district in which two personnel were killed and three others injured.

Notably, Tirap is the site of one of the bloodiest massacres in recent memory. Sitting National People’s Party MLA Tirong Aboh and his son were among 11 people shot dead by unknown militants, on 21 May 2019, in the Bogapani area of the Tirap district. The bloody massacre is believed to be orchestrated by NSCM (IM) cadres.

In September last, the NIA that has been investigating the assassination of the MLA, announced a cash reward for two wanted accused, belonging to the NSCN-IM group, who were allegedly involved in the assassination of the NPP legislator.

In January, the NIA filed a charge sheet against four members of the NSCN-IM for their involvement in the killing.

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