Itanagar, May 12: Two suspected NSCN cadres were killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, after security forces launched a counter-insurgency operation based on inputs about the movement of armed insurgents allegedly involved in extortion activities, police said on Tuesday.
Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu said that the 8th Assam Rifles unit at Miao received specific inputs on Monday, regarding the presence and movement of armed NSCN cadres in the general area of Songking village and adjoining locations for extortion from villagers.
Acting on the intelligence, Assam Rifles launched a counter-insurgency operation in the area. At around 8:30 pm, the security forces reportedly noticed movement of around 12 to 13 armed cadres near Duimukh Nallah.
When challenged by security personnel, the insurgents allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliation by the Assam Rifles in self-defence, the SP said.
Following the exchange of fire and subsequent search operation, security forces recovered two unidentified bodies of insurgents along with arms and war-like stores from the area.
The deceased were later identified as self-styled Lt Col Umkong and self-styled Sgt Enu, the SP said.
Police from Miao Police Station subsequently reached the spot and brought the bodies along with the recovered arms and ammunition.
Items recovered during the operation included one 5.56 mm rifle, one AK rifle, a pistol, four magazines, 207 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, one launcher round, one live hand grenade, a radio set and four torches.
A case has been registered at Miao Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Arms Act, and further investigation is underway, the SP added. (PTI)