SFs swoop down on NSCN-IM, nab eight cadres
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Imphal/Ukhrul, July 13 2014: In the aftermath of the brutal assassination of Autonomous District Council (ADC) member Ngalangzar Malue, tension run high in Ukhrul town with the state police forces swooping down on NCSN (IM) and nabbing eight cadres from its Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) office here during a sudden raid conducted in wee hours on Sunday.

Public on Sunday morning were in for rude shock to witness heavy deployment of security forces in Ukhrul town.

In less than 24-hour after the killing of Ukhrul ADC member Ngalangzar Malue by armed assailants at Finch Corner yesterday, the State government has ordered deployment of three companies of forces and to conduct a raid on NSCN's WTR office at Phungreitang East here.

In a surprise tactical raid at around 2.30 am, a troop of heavily armed security forces stormed the WTR office and arrested eight NSCN cadres and also reportedly seized some arms, satellite phones and a computer set.

The details could not be ascertained as no officials were available for comment.

NCSN (IM) Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) office

However, sources at Imphal that the seizure included 14 Walkie-Talkie sets, two pressure bombs, three empty magazines, two live rounds of AK Rifles and various documents of NSCN/GPRN related to the period from 1981 to 2014 .

Meanwhile, reliable report said that the arrested cadres have been taken away to Imphal this morning.

The arrested cadres who are now in police custody have been identified as 'lance corporal' Shepachi (22) s/o Posao of Phek district, Nagaland; 'lance corporal' Somrei (27) s/o Sinakhui of Kangpat Khunou, Ukhrul district; 'corporal' VL Shimreingam (33) s/o Alung Valui of Tuinem village, Ukhrul; 'sergeant major' Issaicher Jato (34) s/o Solomon Jato of Ningthei village, Ukhrul district; 'major' Wunglengpam Raiping (31) s/o Ranreingam of Jashar village, Ukhrul; 'major' Khareithing Mung (33) s/o Phungphen Mung of Alungtang, Ukhrul; 'private' Winka Konyak (25) s/o late Wangkhu Konyak of Sekegoi village, Mon district, Nagaland and 'private' Longhee Wungsar (25) s/o Wungsai Wungsar of Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh.

A posse of State security forces comprising Indian Reserve Battalion and Commandos led by Police DIG (Range IV) Chandramani is now staying put in Ukhrul town as the District Magistrate promulgated section 144 CrPC Act.

There has been report that raids are also being conducted in several pockets of the town where NSCN cadres are suspected to be taking refuge.

The State government had on Saturday night moved two companies of forces from Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal East and West district, while another company was ordered in to the district this morning.

On Sunday morning, the public, instead of the choral music from the Church, were greeted with blaring sound of PA system as police announced imposition of curfew in the thoroughfares of the town.

Security forces were seen patrolling along the road and stationing in various pockets of the district headquarters.

Public are getting agitated and burning tyres on the road as tension escalated in Ukhrul with the presence of the heavily armed security forces.

The town's entry and exit point has been cordoned off as more raids are expected in the next few days.

Hundreds of women torchbearers are blocking the highway at Dungrei Junction and reportedly monitoring inbound and outbound vehicles.

The State government's move on Sunday is all but an indication of its stand that the killing of former Ukhrul ADC vice chairman Ngalangzar yesterday was orchestrated by NSCN (IM) which is currently holding peace parley with the Government of India.