Terror strikes averted in four northeastern states

Security forces have averted major terror strikes in four northeastern states planned jointly by militant outfits NSCN-K and ULFA-I, an official said on Wednesday.

Quoting intelligence reports, Lt. Col. Shailesh, spokesperson for the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), said rebels of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) and the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) had plans to carry out terror strikes in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The rebel groups have united under the banner of the United National Liberation Front of West South East Asia (UNLFWSEA).

"UNLFWSEA is intending to launch a number of attacks in Nagaland, Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh during and before Independence Day. All citizens are advised to be careful, and should immediately report any suspicious items found lying unattended at any place to police and the security forces," the spokesperson said in a press communique.

He said that in the past few months, a number of highly destructive radio-controlled explosive devices have been smuggled into Nagaland from Myanmar, in a bid to target the districts of Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang, "with the aim of creating fear psychosis".

He said the recovery of explosives and two military grade anti-tank mines in the jungles of Polubadze mountain in Nagaland on Tuesday confirmed the nefarious designs of the militants.

The spokesperson said the NSCN-K was "misguiding Naga youths to resort to violence against their own brethren".

He assured the people that the security forces will continue to work towards ensuring peace in the region.