Guwahati, April 29: In a major counter-insurgency operation, three suspected cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) were killed in an encounter with security forces in Assam’s Dima Hasao district on Tuesday. The militants had allegedly entered the state to extort money from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

According to well-placed sources, the 60-hour-long operation was planned and monitored at the highest levels of the Assam Police for over a month. Over 300 personnel, led by Assam Police and supported by central armed forces, were involved in the meticulously coordinated action.

The encounter took place between N. Kubin and Herakilo under Haflong police station limits after the suspected NSCN members crossed over from neighbouring Nagaland. Special units of Assam Police and the Assam Rifles recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the scene.

“Acting on a tip-off about the presence of militants, a joint team of Assam Police and central forces launched an operation in the area. Once face-to-face, a heavy exchange of fire ensued,” police sources said, adding that the gunfight lasted for three to four hours, resulting in the death of all three militants.

Although NSCN factions are currently under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India and the Nagaland state government, the truce applies strictly within the territorial boundaries of Nagaland. Despite this, NSCN activities have continued in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Police sources noted strong support from local residents in Dima Hasao, who were instrumental in the success of the operation. “The locals were actively involved and did not want the peace in the region disrupted,” a senior police official said.

The incident follows recent developments within the NSCN-IM, which in February announced the formation of a new battalion for the ‘NC Hills’ region—present-day Dima Hasao. The outfit’s military chief, Anthony N. Shimray, reportedly surveyed areas along the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland for the proposed base, prompting heightened vigilance among security agencies.

Also Read: Meghalaya Police to hold written exam for recruitment next month

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub