Longding, February 19, 2026:
In a major counter-insurgency operation, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Special Task Force (STF), and Longding Police apprehended an active NSCN-IM cadre and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid near Longding town on Thursday.
Acting on specific inputs, the security forces launched an operation in the Tissing area of Zedua village on 19 February 2026. During the operation, SS Capt Ponglem Wangpan (35), son of late Ajong Wangpan and a resident of Longsom village in Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh, was arrested. Officials stated that the accused was leading a group of four members who had reportedly arrived in Longding with an undisclosed objective.
Security personnel seized one 5.56 mm INSAS rifle, one 9 mm pistol, one INSAS magazine, one pistol magazine, 18 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, and two rounds of 9 mm ammunition from his possession.
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| Seized Items (photo: SP Longding) |
According to officials, the swift action of the joint security team helped thwart a potential terror incident and ensured the safety of the area. An FIR has been registered at Longding Police Station under Case No. 08/26, invoking Sections 25(1A)/27 read with Sections 10/13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified combing and search operations at multiple locations in the district to track down other members of the group and prevent any further threats.
