Six NSCN (I-M) cadres were killed in a joint operation carried out by Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Arunachal Police near Nginu in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh in the early hours of July 11.
One Assam Rifles personnel was also injured in the gunfight.
According to PRO (Defence), Lt. Col. Sumit K. Sharma, the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence regarding presence of armed cadres. On seeing the troops, NSCN cadres opened heavy fire in a bid to flee from the spot. PRO said the troops retaliated and killed six NSCN (I-M) cadres. A total of six rifles and ammunition, IEDs and other warlike stores were also recovered.
PRO said that investigation was on to ascertain their allegiance to NSCN (I-M) faction operating in Myanmar.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Police spokesman Navdeep S Brar said the operation was carried out after security forces received inputs about the presence of the 6-member team of NSCN (IM) led by one ‘capt.’ Somnyam Tangkhul. He claimed the group was planning to abduct the president and secretary of the Longding market.
As per inputs, Arunachal Police claimed that the team was sent by Rockwang alias Absolom Thankgul of NSCN (I-M), who was also involved in the assassination of NPP legislator Tirong Aboh on May 21 last year near Khonsa.