Indian army recovers large cache of arms and ammunitions of NSCN  (I-M)

Pothashng News Service: Imphal, July 12, 2019: Indian army has recovered large cache of arms and ammunitions from Tamenglong district of Manipur.

Recoveries included four rifles, two grenade launchers and large quantities of ammunition and other warlike stores. The recovery also included incriminating documents, diaries and other administrative stores of NSCN (I-M).

Commander, 59 Mountain Division Brigadier Ravroop Singh told reporters here on Friday that regular intelligence inputs were being received over a prolonged period of time, regarding presence of some insurgents belonging to NSCN (I-M) in the remote jungle areas astride NH-37 in Noney and Tamenglong districts of West Manipur. The civilians of Nungba Sub-Division, Todaijang, Kekru Naga, Muktina and Mukti Khullen had reported regular presence of some armed cadres belonging to NSCN (I-M) who were carrying out harassment and extortion, he added.

Their activities in these areas were confirmed by our ground sources as also by intelligence
agencies. It emerged that these cadres were ruthlessly carrying out extensive illegal extortion from villagers, local businessmen, vehicles plying along the NH-37 and various contractors engaged in infrastructure projects of Railways, NHDCL, the army commander said.

Once confirmed inputs were received regarding presence of 8-10 armed cadres of NSCN (I-M) in area of Village Kekru Naga, a small village of about 90 houses approximately eight Kilometers South of Nungba town, a well synergized operation by the army commenced on the night of July 5 and extensive search of the area was carried out from July 6 morning onwards, he added.

Sensing the multiple columns of security forces, the armed cadres fled the area after
hiding their weapons and warlike stores at multiple locations in the periphery of village, nearby jungle and the Jhoom huts. One armed cadre of NSCN (I-M) was apprehended during the operations while he was trying to merge with the local population. He has been identified as SS Private Thailik Panmei, he said.

This operation and the recovery of huge arms, ammunition and warlike stores has yet
again exposed the duplicity of NSCN (I-M). While the proscribed group on one hand is in cease fire with Government of India but yet continues with such illegal activities. The Cease Fire Ground Rules lay down the basic framework under which both government agencies and NSCN (I-M) are required to operate, however, NSCN (I-M) has continuously been violating the laid down Ground Rules. The attempts for setting up of new camps, fresh recruitments, extortion and tax collection specifically along NH-2  and NH-37 impacting infrastructure projects like railway lines, road construction etc are all indicative of their effort to undermine the Peace process, he added.

This approach by the NSCN (I-M) is clearly indicative of their insincerity in implementation of Cease Fire Ground Rules. The security forces are aware of these tactics and would continue to carry out relentless operations to provide security to the local population, the army commander said.

The Army Commander, Lieutenant General MM Naravane, has complimented all troops
of Spear Corps for executing such a surgical and professional operation, he added.