AR rescues woman kidnapped by NSCN-IM

IMPHAL: Assam Rifles jawans on Wednesday rescued a woman kidnapped by NSCN(IM) cadres in Manipur 's Chandel district and also up nabbed two cadres of the Naga rebel group which is in peace process with the Centre.


The apprehended cadres have been identified as self-styled 'lt colonel' Justin Khapai from 'GHQ Hebron ' and self-styled 'sergeant' Korungthang of 'AC battalion Chandel' of the outfit, a statement issued by the paramilitary force said.

One AK-47 rifle with 27 bullets were seized from the duo.

Based on specific information about the presence of two armed NSCN (IM) cadres with a woman at a school building at New Wangparal, troops of the Chandel AR battalion rushed and launched a search operation there on Wednesday afternoon, the statement said. It added that the woman was kidnapped from her Thamlakhuren village in the district on Tuesday.

"Caught unawares by the swift action of AR jawans, the armed NSCN(IM) cadres ran into a nullah.

The AR team gave a chase and was fired upon by the two cadres who had kidnapped the woman. Despite grave provocation and danger to their own lives, the AR team maintained restraint and did not fire back fearing loss of life and property to the civilians," the statement added.

"The cadres were finally cornered and asked to surrender after which they were apprehended," it said.

The two cadres have been handed over to Chandel Police and an FIR has been registered against them.