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Major Terror Plot Foiled in Arunachal; NSCN-IM Militant Arrested with Arms

Security forces in Arunachal Pradesh have thwarted a major terror plot with the arrest of an NSCN-IM militant in Longding district. The joint operation recovered an INSAS rifle, a pistol, and ammunition. The arrested militant was leading a group intending to kidnap or kill an undisclosed target. In a separate incident, police in Namsai district seized a significant quantity of heroin and arrested a woman.

Key Points: Terror Plot Foiled in Arunachal, NSCN-IM Militant Arrested

  • Militant arrested in joint op
  • INSAS rifle, pistol recovered
  • Plot to kidnap or kill target foiled
  • Separate drug bust nets heroin
2 min read

Terror plot foiled in Arunachal's Longding; NSCN-IM militant arrested, arms recovered

Security forces arrest NSCN-IM militant, recover weapons in Longding, thwarting a major kidnapping/killing plot. Separate drug bust in Namsai.

"swift and coordinated action by the joint security forces averted the planned terror incident - Police Official"

Itanagar, Feb 20

Security forces in Arunachal Pradesh foiled a major terror incident by arresting an NSCN-IM militant and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during a joint operation in the border district of Longding, officials said on Friday.

A police official in Itanagar said the operation was carried out by a joint team of the Assam Rifles, Special Task Force and Longding police.

Acting on specific inputs, the forces conducted the operation on Friday and successfully thwarted a major terror plot by arresting an NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) extremist.

The arrested militant has been identified as self-styled 'captain' Ponglem Wangpan (35), a cadre of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim.

According to the official, the operation was conducted at Tissing, near Zedua village, under Longding police station limits.

During the search, the security forces recovered one 5.56 mm INSAS rifle along with a magazine, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, 18 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition and two rounds of 9 mm pistol ammunition.

The arrested militant was leading a four-member group that had reportedly entered the bordering Longding district with the intention to kidnap or kill an undisclosed target. However, swift and coordinated action by the joint security forces averted the planned terror incident, the official said.

An FIR has been registered at the Longding police station in connection with the case, and further investigation is underway.

Security forces have also intensified combing and search operations in other suspected locations across the district to trace remaining militants.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, Arunachal Pradesh Police in Namsai district seized 133 grams of suspected heroin worth around Rs seven lakh and arrested a woman, following due legal procedure.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The seizure reflects the Arunachal Pradesh Police's strong commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring a drug-free society, another police official said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is very concerning. A 'captain' with an INSAS rifle and a plan to kidnap or kill... it shows the serious threat. Glad he was caught, but what about the other three in his group? Hope the combing operations are successful.
A
Aman W
The article also mentions the heroin seizure in Namsai. Insurgency and drug trafficking often go hand-in-hand, funding these illegal activities. A two-pronged attack by police on both fronts is the need of the hour.
S
Sarah B
While the operation's success is commendable, we must ask why these groups continue to find recruits. Are there enough development and employment initiatives in these districts to offer youth a better alternative? Security alone isn't a permanent solution.
V
Vikram M
Salute to the Assam Rifles, STF, and local police! The coordination was key. People in Arunachal and the Northeast want peace and development. These elements trying to disrupt it must be dealt with firmly.
K
Kriti O
The recovery of an INSAS rifle is worrying. How did they get their hands on army-issue weapons? There needs to be a thorough investigation into the supply chain of these arms. Chhoro aise logon ko, inki saza time par milni chahiye.

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