Senior NSCN(K) Operative Held, Two Militants Killed

Itanagar: Security forces in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district have struck a major blow to insurgent networks, apprehending a senior NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) operative and eliminating two militants of the NSCN(K-YA) faction in two separate operations this week. On June 5, acting on intelligence provided by Military Intelligence Kolkata, troops of the 24 Assam Rifles launched a swift and targeted operation in Dasatong village under the Kanubari police station. The operation led to the arrest of Manting Wangnowham, a self-styled Sergeant Major of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi). A resident of the same village, Wangnowham had reportedly entered the area on June 3 to carry out extortion activities. In a separate development the same day, a patrol unit of security forces came under fire near the Indo-Myanmar border while acting on intelligence regarding insurgent movement. A fierce exchange ensued with suspected NSCN(K-YA) militants. The encounter, which lasted several hours, ended with the death of two insurgents—identified as Sergeant Major Nyaklung and Lance Corporal Neyung Aung. The remaining militants managed to retreat into Myanmar, taking advantage of the dense forest cover and the porous border. Officials have termed the operations a significant success in the ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region. With heightened surveillance and intensified operations, security forces aim to maintain pressure on insurgent groups and safeguard border communities from extortion and violence.