Was a Militant Neutralized in a Gunfight with Security Forces in Arunachal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Militant killed in Longding district encounter.
- Assam Rifles effectively countered an ambush.
- Significant arms cache recovered.
- Ongoing insurgent activities pose challenges.
- NSCN-K-YA has not signed a ceasefire.
Itanagar, July 7 (NationPress) A militant believed to be linked with the NSCN (K-YA) group was killed during an encounter with the Assam Rifles in the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, as confirmed by an official.
A police spokesperson stated that troops from the Assam Rifles successfully thwarted a surprise ambush by insurgents reportedly associated with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K-YA) faction.
The attack occurred when the Assam Rifles were conducting routine patrols between Khogla and Lyangche, which is in proximity to the India-Myanmar border.
Responding swiftly, the Assam Rifles launched a counterattack, compelling the militants to retreat and leave their position, according to the official.
Following the encounter, a temporary hideout utilized by the insurgents was discovered in the vicinity. The official confirmed that one cadre of NSCN (K-YA) was killed during the clash.
A substantial cache of arms and explosives was recovered, including approximately 15 kg of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 34 detonators, two .22 pistols with magazines, and other military supplies from the mountainous terrain.
Previously, on April 27, three militants from the NSCN-K-YA faction were neutralized in a violent gunfight with security forces in the same Longding district.
A Defence spokesperson reported that two construction workers were abducted on April 25 from the Pangchao area within Longding district.
Acting on specific intelligence, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles conducted a large-scale operation in the Pangchao region.
“Contact was made, and during the ensuing firefight, three members of the NSCN-K-YA group were neutralized,” the spokesperson stated.
One construction worker was rescued, and an assortment of automatic weapons, ammunition, and other military-grade materials were seized.
In a separate incident, the Army and Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Assam Police, apprehended a top wanted cadre of NSCN-K-YA from Charaideo district in Assam.
The NSCN-K-YA had previously issued an extortion demand of Rs 20 lakh to the oil company Oil India Limited (OIL).
This notice, signed by the group’s self-styled Major, Tha Aung, was sent to OIL’s office in Manabhum, located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
In their notice, they requested Rs 20 lakh by December 10 and threatened that OIL would face consequences should there be any delays.
The operational site of OIL is within the Manabhum reserve forest in Eastern Arunachal, which spans across both the Changlang and Namsai districts.
It is important to note that the NSCN-K-YA has not signed a ceasefire agreement with the government, unlike several other Naga factions, including the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), which have engaged in talks with the authorities.