ITANAGAR/ DIMAPUR, MAY 12 (PTI/ NPN): Two suspected NSCN cadres were killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, after security forces launched a counter-insurgency operation based on inputs about the movement of armed insurgents allegedly involved in extortion activities, police said on Tuesday.
Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu said that the 8th Assam Rifles unit at Miao received specific inputs on Monday, regarding the presence and movement of armed NSCN cadres in the general area of Songking village and adjoining locations for extortion from villagers.
Acting on the intelligence, Assam Rifles launched a counter-insurgency operation in the area.
NSCN-K (Ang Mai) condemns
NSCN-K (Ang Mai) has expressed shock, anguish and condemned the incident at Doimuk Nala area under Miao Circle in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, wherein it alleged that cadres of its Naga Army unit came under firing from the 8th Assam Rifles on May 11 at around 8:30 p.m.
In a press statement, the group claimed that the unit from the Pangsau Pass Command Group was on duty “maintaining peace mobilization” within what it described as ancestral homeland and to revive the Stilwell International Highway when the firing allegedly took place.
According to the group, two cadres were killed in the incident– ‘lt. col.’ Umkong from Nayang village under Tangshang region and ‘sgt.’ Enu from Chithok village under Leinong region. It described the deaths as an “irreparable loss” to the families and comrades of the deceased and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Condemning the incident, the group termed the alleged firing as “irresponsible and provocative”, particularly at a time when it claimed to have maintained commitment towards peace and restraint. It alleged that such actions threatened to destabilize the “fragile peace and mutual understandings” sustained over time, and warned that use of force and aggression would deepen mistrust, escalate tensions and undermine efforts towards peaceful coexistence and political dialogue.
The statement further asserted that incidents of such nature should not be allowed to derail the pursuit of peace or the aspirations of the Naga people.
NSCN-K (Ang Mai) also called upon the concerned authorities to provide an explanation regarding the incident and questioned whether the alleged action was directed by the Government of India or undertaken solely by 8th Assam Rifles.
The group urged authorities to ensure that such confrontations were not repeated, while maintaining that lasting peace could only be achieved through “mutual respect, responsible conduct and unwavering commitment to dialogue.”
Reaffirming its stand, the group stated that despite the incident, it would remain committed to upholding peace, defending the dignity of the Naga people and pursuing justice through “principled and responsible means.”
Wednesday, May 13, 2026