Security forces destroy three NSCN (IM) camps in Arunachal Pradesh

Kohima-based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of NSCN (IM) militants trying to terrorize and attempting extortion in and around Motongsa village near Miao in Changlang district, the Jairampur battalion of Assam Rifles in coordination with army launched a massive operation in the area.

When the troops reached the remote area, the militants started firing upon the security personnel. As a result, bullets were exchanged from both sides and the militants fled from the area.

“During a search of the thickly vegetated area, the troops located and destroyed three NSCN (IM) camps and a logistic base. The camps were being used by the outfit as the base of operations and allowed the group to increase their influence in the area," the PRO said.

" Destruction of the camp has helped alleviate the problem of extortion and harassment by the militants not only in Motongsa but also in Nampong and Miao circles of Changlang district. This came as a follow up to a similar operation conducted in Miao circle in March this year resulting in the destruction of an NSCN (IM) hideout. The operations have forced the underground elements to go on the run and have rendered them defunct,” the Defence PRO said.

A massive search operation is in progress to locate and neutralize the militants.

Besides the NSCN (IM), banned outfits like  NSCN (K) and ULFA (I) are also active in Changlang district and some other parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland along the Myanmar border.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)