NSCN-IM Condoles Death of 6 Cadres in Arunachal, Probe Finds No Link Yet with Khonsa MLA's Assassination

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim issued a condolence message on Sunday over the death of six cadres of the insurgent group killed by security forces in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh on July 11. Stating that their members were “brutally gunned down by Assam Rifles in total contravention to the existing Ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and NSCN,” the group made public the names of the slain members - their second lieutenant Somaya Satsang, Ashak Wangsa, Somipam Shaiza, Sawang Pansa, Lentsuba Lalii and Pougouhao Lhangum. Reiterating that ceasefire ground rules are not applicable in South Arunachal Pradesh, Commander of 25 Sector Assam Rifles, Brigadier Vijay Chahar said that security agencies are trying to ascertain if the six militants had links with the NSCN-IM faction operating in Myanmar. “Identification of the neutralised cadres and their allegiance with NSCN-IM faction operating from Myanmar is being ascertained,” Brigadier Chahar told media while addressing a joint press meet of Assam Rifles and Arunachal Pradesh police in Khonsa on Sunday. While reminding the UG groups to stay in their designated camps in areas where ceasefire ground rules are valid, Assam Rifles Commander Brigadier Chahar said that “security forces are fully geared to handle any situation and sustained operations shall continue with full vigour to ensure peace and tranquillity in the area.”