Hardcore NSCN (K) militant killed in Arunachal Pradesh encounter

Kohima based defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, based on ilntelligence input the Assam Rifles Khonsa Battalion undertook a massive coordinated operation at Lyangche village of Tirap District about presence of a NSCN (K) militant group moving through jungle near Lyangche village and carrying out extortion in Muktwa and Lyangche area.

The troops of the Khonsa battalion established an ambush at the suspected area.

"The ambush party observed movement of the militant group which was challenged and asked to surrender but they opened fire. The precise retaliatory fire on the group and one militant killed on the spot and the ensuing firefight lasted several minutes," Konwer said.

Taking advantage of darkness and dense vegetation the remaining militants of the group were able to break contact and flee into the jungle.

Security personnel recovered one 7.65 mm pistol with ammunition, an IED and other warlike stores from the encounter spot.

The slain militant was identified as self styled Corporal Wahang Sumyen.

Massive search operations are still on to catch the fleeing militants.

NSCN(K) has been involved in widespread extortion and has carried out sabotage activities against the security forces.

The nefarious designs of the group have time and again been defeated.

The group has suffered severe losses in all the attacks which they have carried out against the security forces.

"This operation has further struck a blow to NSCN(K). The operation has tightened the noose around the group and has brought relief to the local population," the defence PRO said.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)