Senapati erupts in protest against arrest of IM cadres
NH-2 blocked, lifted after arrested men freed
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, September 29 2016:
All activities came to a grinding halt (except the mob fury) in Senapati town since last night (Wednesday) after three NSCN-IM "officials" were arrested by the Assam Rifles yesterday accusing them of indulging in "nefarious activities" along National Highway-2 .
Senapati town erupted in protest against the arrest of the three NSCN-M "officials" identified as Captain PK Akas (41) son of Pfokrehrii of Kaibi village under Tadubi police station, Lt Ashang Kashung (41) son of Wonmi Kashung of Kachai village under Somdal police station, Ukhrul district and "Cpl" N Elvis Kayina (26) son of S Nikhini Kayina of Makhrelui village under Senapati police station.
The people are demanding the release of the three NSCN-IM "officials" immediately.
|
The people came out in large number and attempted to gherao the 35 Assam Rifles post, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati and the police station in the headquarters.
Goods and passenger vehicles have been halting along NH-2 as the protestors blocked the road.
The bandh along Imphal-Dimapur road was however called off after the release of the three arrested IM cadres on medical ground at 7.30 pm today.
Meanwhile PIB (Defence Wing) in a statement claimed that troops of Maram Battalion under Senapati Brigade apprehended three high ranking active cadres of NSCN(IM) in an operation carried out on September 28 along National Highway-2 between Senapati and Henbung.
According to PIB, based on specific input regarding presence of active cadres of NSCN (IM) on NH-2, an operation was launched by troops of Maram Battalion that resulted in the apprehension of three active cadres of NSCN (IM) along with one 9mm pistol, three live rounds and Rs 10,000 in cash.
The statement said that "spot questioning" of the individuals revealed that they were carrying out extortion on NH-2 from trucks plying on the highway and were involved in various "nefarious activities" on behalf of the organization.
The apprehended cadres were handed over to Imphal West police station at Lamphel along with recoveries for further investigation, it stated.
"Certain socio-political organizations of Senapati district agitated against the arrest and blocked NH-2 during the night demanding unconditional release of the apprehended cadres.
It was conveyed to the organizations that armed cadres of any organization carrying out extortion are a threat to the peace and security of the region and all socio-political organizations must support the endeavour of the security forces in apprehending such cadres," added PIB.