Security Forces Achieve Major Victory Against NSCN Insurgents in Arunachal Pradesh
Significant Counter-Insurgency Operation
Security forces with the bodies of the slain NSCN cadres. (AT Photo)
Margherita, May 12: In a notable counter-insurgency achievement near the Indo-Myanmar border, security personnel eliminated two members of the NSCN (GPRN) during a fierce confrontation in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh late on Monday night.
The deceased insurgents were identified as Lt Col Umkong from Nayang village and Sgt Enu from Chithok village.
This operation was executed at Doimuk Nala within the Miao circle by a collaborative team from the 8th Assam Rifles and the 12 Para Regiment, following precise intelligence regarding armed insurgent movements in the vicinity.
Sources indicate that the operation commenced around 8:30 PM on May 11 after security forces received alerts about a group of 10 to 15 armed insurgents traversing through Songking village, allegedly to collect 'house tax' and extort local merchants.
As the security team approached, the insurgents reportedly opened fire with advanced automatic weapons, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire that persisted for nearly an hour.
Officials characterized this operation as a crucial advancement in ongoing counter-insurgency measures in this sensitive border area, especially following a recent attack on an Assam Rifles unit that resulted in a soldier sustaining serious injuries.
In addition, security forces recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and incriminating documents from the site of the encounter.
In response, the insurgent group, through its Ministry of Information and Publicity, condemned the operation, labeling it as 'unprovoked'.
They stated, 'We unequivocally condemn this irresponsible and provocative act, particularly at a time when our commitment to maintaining peace and restraint has been abundantly clear. Such actions are not only deeply regrettable but dangerously threaten to destabilize the fragile peace and mutual understanding...'
The group asserted that their members were engaged in peaceful activities related to the Stilwell Road project.
However, security agencies dismissed this assertion, affirming that the operation was grounded in credible intelligence regarding extortion activities by the armed group.
Following the encounter, security forces initiated an extensive combing operation in the dense jungles surrounding Miao to locate the remaining insurgents who reportedly escaped under the cover of night.
Security measures have also been intensified across the Indo-Myanmar border region due to concerns over potential retaliatory actions by the insurgent group.