Six NSCN-IM insurgents were killed in an encounter with security forces in Khonsa area of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, 11 July, reported news agency PTI, quoting sources. One soldier of the Assam Rifles was also injured in the operation.
The report added that the encounter took place at around 4:30 am and six weapons were recovered. The operation was launched after the intelligence inputs were received about the presence of armed insurgence in the area.
The state Director General of Police (DGP) R P Upadhyaya told News18 that there was specific information received on Friday, 10 July, night about the presence of armed cadres in Longding district. The information was reportedly given by the state police, Assam Rifles and the army.
“Acting upon actionable and specific information by SIB Arunachal Pradesh, a joint team of 6 Assam Rifle and Arunachal Pradesh Police conducted an early morning action today in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh near Nginu village.”R P Upadhyaya, DGP, Arunachal Pradesh to The Indian Express
The action was carried out in a thick forest, a 40-minute walk from the village, reported News18. The DGP told the publication that the group did not try to escape and retaliated with heavy fire. He further added that the group was planning to “carry out kidnapping and extortion, and also launch an attack on security forces.”
Confirming that 6 armed NSCN-IM cadres had been killed and one Assam Rifle personnel was injured, the DGP told The Indian Express that 6 long-range weapons, including four AK-47 and 2 MQ assault rifles have been recovered so far. Apart from these, live ammunition, grenades and an IED has also reportedly been recovered from the group.
The injured soldier is reportedly stable and undergoing treatment at a military hospital.
(With inputs from PTI, News18 and The Indian Express)
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