SHILLONG: The ‘finance secretary’ of militant outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), Inovi Avika Assumi, was arrested from Demseiniong in the city on Saturday night and sent to five-day police custody.
Assumi’s hideout was raided in a joint operation of the special cell of East Khasi Hills police and the Assam Rifles.
When contacted, East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak said, “He (Assumi) was caught around 10.30 pm on Saturday.”
On information received from the Assam Rifles, Marak said police have been monitoring his movements for the last 4-5 days.
The militant’s wife and brother-in-law was initially detained but were not arrested.
“There were three people when we raided his house, his wife, her brother and Assumi,” the SP said.
Marak added that investigation is on and if need be, police would ask for extension of custody period.
Asked if the state has become a safe haven for militant groups, he denied saying, “There will always be individuals who will disguise themselves.”
NSCN(K) has been designated a terrorist organisation in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The group signed a ceasefire pact on April 27, 2001. However, Khaplang announced the faction’s withdrawal in April 2015.