Were 3 NSCN militants killed in an encounter in Assam?

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Were 3 NSCN militants killed in an encounter in Assam?

Synopsis

In a significant encounter in Assam's Dima Hasao district, three NSCN militants were killed by security forces following intelligence reports of extortion threats to NHAI officials. The operation uncovered weapons and highlighted ongoing tensions in the region, emphasizing the persistent threat posed by militant groups.

Key Takeaways

  • Three NSCN militants were killed in a confrontation with security forces.
  • The encounter was triggered by an extortion notice sent to NHAI officials.
  • Weapons including AK series rifles were recovered from the site.
  • This incident highlights ongoing tensions with militant groups in northeastern India.
  • Search operations are continuing in the region.

Guwahati, April 29 (NationPress) Three members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) lost their lives during a clash with security forces in Assam's hilly Dima Hasao district on Tuesday, according to officials.

An Assam Police spokesperson stated that the confrontation followed intelligence reports indicating that armed individuals, responsible for sending an extortion notice to officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), were hiding in regions monitored by the Haflong police station.

As a result, a search operation was initiated by the Special Units of Assam Police and the Assam Rifles on Saturday evening.

“After nearly 60 hours of searching, on Monday, the teams encountered an armed group in the vicinity between N Kubin-Hera Kilo. The militants opened fire on the security personnel, who responded, leading to a significant exchange of gunfire,” the spokesperson reported.

Following this, a thorough search revealed the remains of three NSCN militants. The specific faction to which they belonged remains unidentified.

Authorities recovered two AK series rifles and a pistol from the wooded area, and a search operation continues.

This occurrence took place just three days after three NSCN-K-YA militants were killed on April 27 during a violent clash with security forces in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amit Shukla noted that two construction workers were kidnapped on April 25 from the Pangchao area in Longding district.

Acting on specific intelligence, troops from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles conducted a large-scale operation in the Pangchao area on Sunday. “During the operation, contact was made, and in the resulting firefight, three NSCN-KY-A members were neutralized,” he stated.

One construction worker was rescued, alongside four automatic weapons, ammunition, and other military supplies recovered from the scene.

In another development, the Army and Assam Rifles, collaborating with Assam Police, arrested a top cadre of NSCN-KYA in Charaideo district. This group had previously issued an extortion demand of Rs 20 lakh to the public sector oil company Oil India Limited (OIL). The notice, signed by the self-styled Major Tha Aung, was sent to OIL's office in Manabhum, located in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The group demanded Rs 20 lakh by December 10, threatening that OIL would be held responsible for any delays.

OIL operates in the Manabhum reserve forest in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, which spans both Changlang and Namsai districts.

The NSCN-K-YA has not entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.

Point of View

It is crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding militant activities in northeastern India. While the operations aim to ensure peace and security, they also reflect the underlying socio-political issues contributing to the rise of such groups. Our support remains firmly with the nation's efforts to restore stability and address the root causes of unrest.
NationPress
20/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the encounter with NSCN militants?
The encounter was initiated following intelligence reports about armed militants threatening NHAI officials with extortion.
How many militants were killed in the encounter?
Three militants from the NSCN were killed during the operation.
What weapons were recovered from the militants?
Security forces recovered two AK series rifles and a pistol from the militants.
Are there ongoing operations in the region?
Yes, search operations are still ongoing in the area to ensure no further threats remain.
What is the background of the NSCN-K-YA group?
The NSCN-K-YA is a faction that has not signed a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government and has been involved in various militant activities.