Changlang, May 11:
In a major counter-insurgency operation, two alleged militants linked to the banned insurgent outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) were killed during an encounter with security forces in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district, officials said on Tuesday.
According to security sources, the operation was carried out by the Assam Rifles following specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement and presence of armed NSCN cadres in the Miao sector near Songking village under Miao Police Station.
The operation reportedly began late Monday evening in a densely forested area close to the Indo-Myanmar border, a region known for insurgent activities due to its difficult terrain and porous international boundary. Acting on the intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles personnel launched a search and cordon operation in the suspected hideout area.
Officials stated that during the operation, the security team came under fire from suspected militants, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that continued for some time. In the ensuing encounter, two suspected NSCN militants were neutralized. No injuries or casualties were reported among the security personnel involved in the operation.
Sources further informed that the militants were allegedly operating from temporary camps in the forest area and were suspected to be involved in extortion activities targeting local residents, contractors, traders, and businesses in nearby areas.
Following the encounter, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the site. The seized materials reportedly include firearms, live ammunition, communication equipment, and other items believed to have been used by the insurgents during their operations.
The identities of the deceased militants are yet to be officially confirmed, and authorities are currently working to ascertain their exact affiliations within the NSCN network. Officials have also not ruled out the possibility of additional militants hiding in nearby forest areas.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified combing and search operations across adjoining locations to prevent any regrouping by insurgent elements and to ensure the area is fully secured.
The successful operation is being viewed as a significant achievement for security agencies engaged in anti-insurgency efforts across Northeast India, particularly in border districts vulnerable to militant movement and cross-border activities.
