In an significant move, troops of 13 Bn of the Assam Rifles vacated a camp of NSCN-IM, a Naga rebel group in NE India in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the native place of the outfit’s supreme Thuingaleng Muivah.
PRO Assam Rifles (South) said their troops raided and vacated a camp of the outfit near the Shirui village in Manipur’s hill district Ukhrul.
He said it took 12 days to overrun the camp since February 5 last, after troops cordoned off the camps which comprised of approximately 20 hutments along with about 60 to 70 armed cadres of the outfit.
Since all supply and movement routes were cut off, the NSCN (IM) cadres had no option but to vacate the camp, the PRO claimed. The camp was cleared and destroyed except the Church.
On the other hand the Independent candidate from Tamenglong AC, Khanthuanang Panmei who was abducted by NSCN (IM) cadres on Friday morning was reportedly released in the Sunday night around 7 at a place called Kabonron, a hamlet located about 7 kms from Tamei sub-division in Tamenglong district.
The Army authority in Imphal said that the 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong, an army headquarter 17 km north of Imphal, used its office to have the kidnappers, NSCN(IM), release the man.
"The release was secured after the authorities of 57 Mountain Division responded to the call of the people and acted promptly," informed Rajesh Mishra, PRO of PIB (Defence Wing), when contacted by the local media.
It may be noted that 12 Jawans of 5 Battalion of Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron who have been escorting the Independent candidate were put under suspension for their alleged negligence of duty on that day, apart from losing 12 service weapons alloted to them at the hands of the abductors.
Armed cadres of NSCN-IM which is having peace talk with the Centre, have took away 16 weapons including the service weapons from the jawans, on the alleged charge of candidate’s anti-naga activities.
"The release was secured after the authorities of 57 Mountain Division responded to the call of the people and acted promptly," informed Rajesh Mishra, PRO of PIB (Defence Wing), when contacted by the local media.
It may be noted that 12 Jawans of 5 Battalion of Manipur Rifles, Khongjaron who have been escorting the Independent candidate were put under suspension for their alleged negligence of duty on that day, apart from losing 12 service weapons alloted to them at the hands of the abductors.
Armed cadres of NSCN-IM which is having peace talk with the Centre, have took away 16 weapons including the service weapons from the jawans, on the alleged charge of candidate’s anti-naga activities.