Two NSCN(R) cadres arrested in Arunachal for extortion

Two cadres of NSCN (Reformation) have been arrested from Kheti village in Tirap district for alleged extortion, an official report said today.

The personnel of 1st Assam Rifles, Assam Rifles Field Intelligence Unit and state police conducted a joint search operation at Kheti village which led to arrest of the two NSCN (R) cadres who have been identified as self-styled Lt Wingan Agan (26) and Sergeant Damwang Bangsia, both from Tirap district on sunday, the report said.

One assault rifle, one automatic pistol with ammunition, extortion notes and receipt/letter head of NSCN(R) were recovered from them, the report said.

Local residents said that these cadres and their leaders had been threatening local people and carrying out rampant extortion and forced recruitment in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, the report said.

This is the second successful operation launched by 1st Assam Rifles in Tirap district.

In an earlier operation carried out on November 19 last year, security forces recovered one automatic pistol, ammunition, round stamp and appointment stamp of NSCN (R) faction, extortion money and several undelivered and delivered extortion notes on the faction's letter head addressed to public and government officials were recovered from Kheti village.

The NSCN (R) was formed post abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN (Khaplang).

Since April last year, the NSCN (R) has been attempting to establish its base in the districts of Longding, Tirap and Changlang.

The 'Reformation' group is now extensively involved in extortion in the form of tax collection and they are not sparing any section of the society be it poor villagers, government employees, business community, unemployed and school administration, the report added.