NSCN-K (YA) militants gunned down by Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh

ITANAGAR: Two NSCN-K (YA) militants were gunned down by Assam Rifles personnel in Arunachal Pradesh on July 28 last.

On 27 July 2021, based on specific intelligence input received regarding the presence of active cadres of NSCN-K (YA) in the general area Kottam forest, a special joint operation was launched by a team of Khonsa Battalion, Assam Rifles along with Tirap Police in Kottam forest around midnight of July 28. The team, after searching for ten hours, ascertained the exact location of the hideout.

The area was cordoned off and the team challenged insurgents to surrender upon which insurgents opened fire on the team.

Thereafter, security forces retaliated with firing which resulted in the death of two hardcore insurgents of NSCN-K (YA).

Two automatic assault rifles including one MQ series rifle, one M-16 rifle, two country-made guns, one 9mm pistol, one Chinese hand grenade, ammunition, and other war-like stores, were recovered from the cadres.

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According to an Assam Rifles press release, a group of 10 hardcore armed insurgents of banned outfit NSCN-K (YA) led by Self Styled Captain Rocky Thapa, NSCN-K (YA) commander of Tirap district were active in the area for one month and "victimising" the villagers of Kollam, Lomlo, Kolagaon and Lamsa villages under Khonsa and Deomali circles by extorting money in form of house tax and threatening them of dire consequences if the villagers do not pay the extortion money.

"The nefarious activities of the group kept on increasing to an extent that they started hitting and threatening the village committee members. The group was constantly threatening civil contractors engaged in the construction of roads in Deomali Circle to pay extortion money," the statement further stated, adding, "These ever-increasing inhumane activities by the cadres against the villagers eventually led them to resist against the group and non-compliance to their demands. The villagers started giving information about the group to the security forces covertly. To tighten the noose on the activities of the cadres, security forces beefed up the surveillance to monitor their movements."

As per the release issued by the 6 Assam Rifles, this operation has caused a huge dent in the nefarious activities of the banned outfit and also displays close cooperation of Assam Rifles and Tirap police as well as ever building the trust of local populace on security forces which are undeniable crucial factors in the success of counter-insurgency operations.

"The continuous efforts, relentless pursuit, and joint operations by Assam Rifles and Tirap Police to apprehend various underground cadres operating in Tirap district trying to disrupt peace and harmony have been paying huge dividends," the Assam Rifles said.

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