6 NSCN(IM) Insurgents Killed In Encounter In Arunachal Pradesh

In a major counter insurgency operation today, security forces gunned down at least six insurgents suspected to be members of the Naga underground group NSDCN(IM) in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Myanmar.

According to police sources, a joint operation team of personnel from Arunachal Pradesh Police, Indian Army and Assam Rifles was launched based on specific intelligence inputs that armed insurgents were present in Nginu Village in Longding, about 310 KM away from state capital Itanagar. At around 4:30 AM , the security forces made contact with the group who opened fire. A massive gun battle ensued that lasted over four hours, Assam Rifles sources further added. 

"As many as six suspected Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) insurgents were killed in a gun battle with security personnel in which, an Assam Rifles personnel was also injured in cross fire in the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh early on Saturday morning. The Assam Rifles Jawan is stable and was quickly evacuated. They had fired atleast 250 round with automatic weapons. We had specific tip off about this group. We will intensify the operations" Arunachal Pradesh DGP R P Upadhyaya told NDTV over telephone from Itanagar. 

Six long-range weapons (four AK-47 and 2 Chinese MQ) have been recovered from the site.

A massive search operation is taking place in the adjoining areas as police suspects that a few NSCN(IM) rebels are hiding there.

Meanwhile, intelligence sources have confirmed to NDTV that these group was not part of the main NSCN(IM) which is in peace talks with the centre. They claim that the insurgents were part of a 'rogue' group involved in many attacks in the districts of Tirap, Longding and Changlang. They were also said to be involved in last year's gruesome killing of MLA Triong Aboh and 11 others. The case is being investigated by the NIA, sources added.

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN (IM) is a insurgent outfit fighting for a separate homeland for Naga people for last several decades.