Kohima, February 26: The Assam Rifles, during the last few days of intensified patrolling, to ensure environmental security during the forthcoming election has nabbed four underground cadres along with five arms, ammunition and cash amounting to Rs 22.24 lakhs.

Confirming the report today in Kohima, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles-North (IGAR-N), Major Pallab Chaudhury issued a statement stating that Assam Rifles have intensified security all over the State with increased patrolling of vantage points, establishing Mobile Vehicle Check Posts (MVCPs) and frisking of vehicles which have already yielded results.

AR troops in collaboration other security agencies are carrying out combing operations day and night to ensure no underground elements are able to carry out any nefarious activities which lead to harassment of the innocent civilians.

During the drive, personnel of 18 Assam Rifles apprehended one NSCN (IM) cadre and three civilians along with one AK-47 and two 9mm pistol today.

During an operation led by 31 AR, Dimapur, troops apprehended a NSCN (Unified) cadre along with Rs 24,000 in cash besides several extortion notes and documents.

AR patrols have also evicted NSCN (K) cadres from Yanongyimsen village while NSCN (IM) cadres were forced out of village Samjuram under Peren district.

NSCN (IM) armed cadres moving in the general area Cheplema (near Piphima village) were also countered by AR patrols and eventually evicted from the civilian locality.

On February 25, the MVCP established by 42 AR at Zubza intercepted suspected NSCN (Unified) cadre along with a 7.65mm pistol, while the intensified follow-up search led to further apprehension of a NSCN (IM) cadre with one AK-47 rifles at Kukidolong along the National highway-39.Mobile area domination patrol of 37 AR apprehended two NSCN (K) cadres in uniform from Mon super market area, he stated.

Earlier, on February 23, MVCP of 42 AR deployed at Zubza intercepted a Gypsy bearing regd.

No.NL01-8059 and recovered Rs.16 lakhs meant for use in election purposes.

Addition stepped up vigil yielded further results when suspiciously moving Tata Safari Regn No AS01-C-6566 was intercepted by MVCP of 42 AR at Kukidolong which led to cash recovery of Rs.6 lakhs.

In addition to these, the Assam Rifles have managed to seize smuggled liquor at various check points established.

On February 22, MVCP of 30 AR at Desai confiscated six cases of rum while 37 AR at Naginimora intercepted 128 bottles of IMFL which was destroyed in Situ.

37 AR at Tizit recovered five cases of IMFL from a NST bus during the course of surprise check.

On February 25, a huge consignment of IMFL � 1016 bottles of rum, 206 bottles of beer was confiscated by 27 AR at MVCP Atoizu, Zunheboto.

The same was destroyed in the presence of Police.

In addition to this contraband ganja weighing 80 kgs was also intercepted by troops of 37 AR at Nagini-mora, which was subsequently handed over to the police and destroyed in their presence, said the statement.

AR statement also said that instructions have been issued to Commanders at all levels to maintain strict vigil and keep area of responsibility under round the clock surveillance with an overall aim to ensure peace and instill confidence within the public at the same time resorting to stringent actions to curb elements trying to vitiate and disrupt the election process early next month.

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