Assam Rifles offers bounty for NSCN-K militants arrest

Assam Rifles troopers have rescued three Naga boys kidnapped by militants of Myanmar-based National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) faction, an Assam Rifles official said on Monday.

The Assam Rifles has announced a cash reward of Rs.2 lakh for the capture of NSCN-K militants Seiminthang Kuki and Lamang Kipgen for their involvement in kidnapping minor Naga boys from Nagaland for recruitment as child soldiers in NSCN-K.

"They (three boys) were deceitfully transported to NSCN (K) training camp in Myanmar. Before they could be thrown into death and destruction by NSCN-K leaders, all three were rescued by Assam Rifles," Assam Rifles spokesman Shailesh said.

The rescued boys have been handed over to their parents in Nagaland's Peren district, he said.

He said the rescue was orchestrated through a series of cleverly crafted psychological manoeuvres, real-time sustained tracking and extensive communication for information-sharing with parents, civil society groups and influential tribal leaders.

Shailesh said the three were lured away on the pretext of civil employment in Dimapur, the main commercial town of Nagaland, by NSCN-K militants identified as Seiminthang Kuki and Lamang Kipgen.

"We have launched a massive manhunt for both Kuki and Kipgen who are suspected to be moving in the areas of Dimapur, Kohima, Zunheboto and Kiphire," Shailesh said, adding that Rs.2 lakh in cash will be given to any individual providing credible information leading to their arrest.

Last month, the Indian government banned NSCN-K for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.