Assam Rifles rescue two civilians abducted at gunpoint in Nagaland

Quite disappointing

Assam Rifles rescue two civilians abducted at gunpoint in Nagaland

Two civilians abducted by the outlawed National Socialist Council of Nagalim’s (NSCN-K) Ang Mai faction from the Mon district of Nagaland were rescued in a swift operation by Assam Rifles Sunday.

A Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the security forces informed the media that the two civilians — Atua Konyak and Tingkon Konyak — were kidnapped at gunpoint by armed cadres of the outlawed insurgent outfit on the night of December 15 from Yannyu Village in the Mon district of Nagaland. An overground collaborator of the insurgent outfit was apprehended after a brief gunfight between the security forces and militants.

“A brilliantly planned operation in a quick frame of time and meticulously executed by Assam Rifles in Mon District of Nagaland rescued two civilians who were kidnapped for ransom,” the Assam Rifles PRO said.

The official also said the insurgents planned to take the abducted duo to an undisclosed location or insurgent camp in Myanmar. The Mon Battalion of Assam Rifles launched a rescue operation on receipt of inputs.

“Initially one of the Assam Rifles Team intercepted the cadres in a jungle near Wetting Village in Mon district when they were on way to go across Indo-Myanmar Border”, the official said in a statement, adding that the security personnel analysed the ultras’ pattern of movement and prevented the abducted individuals to be taken hostage across the international border.

“During the operation, the insurgents were asked to surrender but the underground cadres opened fire on troops and fled the scene leaving behind the two kidnapped individuals and a large cache of arms, ammunition,” the Assam Rifles statement said.

It added that the firearms left behind by the insurgents included sophisticated weapons, including an M-16 rifle and three pistols.

Interrogation of the apprehended collaborator revealed “vital information network of the undergrounds”, the security agency added.

NSCN-IM has been in dialogue with the Indian government since 1997, when the group announced ceasefire, while the Centre opened talks with Naga National Political Groups of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) in 2017, which is a body of seven Naga organisations.

However, another faction called the NSCN-K, which was led by Late SS Khaplang, continued hostilities.

While NSCN-K suffered several splits, the NSCN-K Young Aung faction suffered another split earlier in July this year, and the NSCN-K Ang Mai faction emerged.

Debraj Deb – 2023-12-18 18:00

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