NH-2 blocked for hours as public demands release of alleged NSCN (IM) cadre
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, September 05 2020: Commuters travelling along the highway including trucks loaded with goods heading both ways were stranded and blocked along the National Highway-2, as locals staged a protest demanding release of an alleged cadre of NSCN (IM) arrested by Assam Rifles.

According to source, Assam Rifles Maram Battalion arrested a perosn alleged to be cadre of NSCN (IM) early Saturday morning from Khrokho village situated between Mao Gate and Khuzama, Nagaland.

NH-2 blocked for hours as public demands release of alleged NSCN (IM) cadre

The AR has claimed that it found some extortion slips and some cash while admitting himself to be a cadre during interrogation by AR.

It also added that the accused was caught red handed during extortion from innocent truck drivers and confessed that his earning for a day was around 4 to 5 lakhs.

However, Mao locals denied such false claim of AR stating that the person is an innocent civilian and not related to any armed group or activities.

The arrested individual has been identified as Salew Hepuni (40), S/o Salew Mao of Songsong Village, Mao Gate.

He was reportedly taken to Battalion H/Q but was later shifted to Lamphel police station.

Following the arrest, people from Mao and Maram areas stormed 34 AR Battalion gate demanding the immediate release of the arrested, terming him to be an innocent civilian.

Senapati District Civil bodies rushed to the spot on hearing the news where they were denied entry at the gate of the camp.

The protesters held placards with slogans such as "Assam Rifles, Enemy of the Hill People" and "We demand immediate release of the civilian" .

However, with interventions from higher authority and assurance to release the same, the blockade was finally lifted after about 2 hours.

The district CSOs reportedly offered refreshment to all vehicles and stranded persons during their protest.

Reports from family sources of the arrested person added that he was handed over to the family members and village leaders from Lamphel Police Station, Imphal at the time of filing of this report.

The arrested will be reportedly kept at Mao Police Station till necessary legal process are completed.