Assam Rifles neutralise two hardcore cadres of NSCN-K (YA)

Assam Rifles and Tirap Police in a joint operation neutralised two hardcore cadres of NSCN-K (YA). These insurgents were terrorising the innocent villagers of Kollam, Lomlo, Kolagaon, and Lamsa by extorting money.

Guwahati: "A group of approximate 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 past one month. The group had been terrorizing the innocent villagers of Kollam, Lomlo, Kolagaon, and Lamsa villages under Khonsa and Deomali circles by extorting money in form of house tax and threatening them with 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 attacking and threatening the village committee members. The group was constantly threatening civil contractors engaged in the construction of roads in Deomali Circle for extortion money. These ever-increasing inhumane activities by the cadres against the villagers eventually led them to resist the group and noncompliance 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"- stated a press release issued by the 6 Assam Rifles.

On 27 July 2021, based on specific intelligence input received regarding the presence of active cadres of NSCN-K (YA) in the general area of Kottam forest, a special joint operation was launched by a team of Khonsa Battalion, Assam Rifles along with Tirap Police in general area Kottam forest on 28 July, 2021 at 0001 hours.

The team after an exhaustive search of approximately ten hours ascertained the exact location of the hideout. Subsequently, the area was cordoned off and the team challenged insurgents to surrender upon which insurgents opened indiscriminate fire on the team. Thereafter, security forces retaliated with firing which resulted in the elimination of two hardcore insurgents of NSCN-K (YA).

The recoveries from the neutralised caders include 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 warlike stores - the press release further stated.

As per the release issued by the 6 Assam Rifles, this operation has caused a huge dent to the nefarious activities of the banned outfit and also displays close cooperation of Assam Rifles and Tirap police as well as the trust of the 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.