GUWAHATI: In a set-back to the banned NSCN(K), Bishnu Bhujel, a self-styled `sergeant major’ was apprehended in the afternoon of January 16 by the Changlang battalion of the security forces.
Based on a specific input of a cadre trying to terrorise and extort money from Mulong village, near coal town of Ledo in eastern Assam, the battalion swiftly launched an operation and apprehended the self-styled sergeant major with a pistol and live ammunition.
Changlang battalion of Assam Rifles has been carrying out relentless operations in south Arunachal Pradesh to keep the area peaceful and out of clutches of insurgents and this apprehension will go a long way in creating fear among the anti-national elements in the area, a Defence source said.
During the interrogation the cadre admitted to being active as a part of the ‘Himalayan’ group of the banned outfit since 2016 and had undergone six-month weapons training at NSCN(K) camp in Myanmar. His wife is also an active cadre of the outfit. He further revealed that he has been carrying out extortion in the area and was working in close association with self-styled major Makam Hacheng a high-ranking cadre of NSCN(K).
Meanwhile, Wangnyai Wangsu, an over ground worker of NSCN(IM) was apprehended in the morning of January 16 last by the Longding battalion. Acting on a specific input of presence of an over ground worker of NSCN(IM) at Niausa, Longding, the battalion swiftly launched an operation and apprehended Wangnyai Wangsu with Rs 3240 of extortion money and multiple mobile phones.
During interrogation the over ground worker admitted to providing administrative supporting and carrying out extortion for the group. The cadre further revealed that he was going to Dimapur for recruitment as cadre.
The security forces have been carrying out aggressive operations in the South Aunachal Pradesh and this apprehension has struck a blow to the extortion and recruitment activities being carried out by the underground cadres of the group in the area.