NSCN-IM ‘officials’ arrested by Assam Rifles; Released
Newmai News Network
Senapati | September 29
All activities came to a grinding halt as people came out in protest in Senapati town since Wednesday night. Three NSCN-IM “officials” were arrested by the Assam Rifles on Wednesday, September 28, accused with indulging in “nefarious activities” along the Asian Highway-2.
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Seen here are barricades put up by the protesting public in Senapati Town, blocking the Imphal-Dimapur road. The road block was later lifted. (NNN Photo)[/caption]
Senapati town erupted in protest against the arrest of the three NSCN-IM “officials” identified as Captain PK Akas (41), a resident of Kaibi village under Tadubi police station, Senapati district, Lt Ashang Kashung (41), a resident of Kachai village under Somdal police station, Ukhrul district and Cpl N Elvis Kayina (26), a resident of Makhrelui village under Senapati police station. The people were demanding the release of the three NSCN-IM “officials” immediately.
The people came out in large numbers and attempted to gherao the 35 Assam Rifles post, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati and the police station in the headquarters.
All kinds of transport, both goods and passenger, were halted along the AH-2 as protestors blocked the road.
Meanwhile, in a press release, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Defence Wing claimed that troops of Maram Battalion under Senapati Brigade apprehended three high ranking “active cadres” of NSCN (IM) in an operation carried out on September 28 along “Asian Highway-2 between Senapati and Henbung.”
According to PIB, Defence Wing, based on specific input regarding presence of “active cadres” of NSCN (IM) on AH-2, operation was launched by troops of Maram Battalion that resulted in apprehension of three “active cadres” of NSCN (IM) along with one 9mm pistol, three live rounds and Rs 10,000 in cash.
The PIB, Defence Wing, said that “spot questioning” of the individuals revealed that they were carrying out “extortion” on AH-2 from trucks plying on the highway and were involved in various “nefarious activities” on behalf of the organization. The apprehended cadres were handed over to Imphal West police station at Lamphel along with recoveries for further investigation, it stated. “Certain socio-political organizations of Senapati district agitated against the arrest and blocked the NH-2 during the night demanding unconditional release of the apprehended cadres. It was conveyed to the organizations that armed cadres of any organization carrying out extortion are a threat to the peace and security of the region and all socio-political organizations must support the endeavour of the security forces in apprehending such cadres.”
Discussions between the socio-political organizations, security forces and the State Police had ensued to resolve the matter at the earliest.
NSCN-IM ‘officials’ released
The three NSCN-IM “officials” have been released late Thursday evening from the custody of Imphal West police station. They reportedly appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Kangpokpi in-charge of Senapati as the CJM Senapati is on leave.
Meanwhile, the protest in Senapati has also been halted on learning about the development. The bandh and blockades have also been lifted.
