Itanagar, Jun 29: In a significant boost to ongoing peace and counter-insurgency efforts in Arunachal Pradesh, two cadres of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction have voluntarily surrendered before security forces in Tirap district.
The surrender took place during an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles in coordination with Tirap Police in the general area of Kheti village on Sunday. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of insurgent cadres in the area.
According to security officials, the two insurgents laid down their arms and surrendered voluntarily, signalling a positive shift towards peace and rehabilitation in the region.
The surrendered cadres have been identified as self-styled (SS) Lt Longmo Konyak (32), a resident of Phomching in Nagaland's Mon district, and SS Sgt Maj Naikai Wangsu (23), a resident of Chanu village in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh.
During the surrender, security forces recovered two pistols, including one foreign-made weapon, along with magazines, eight live rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones with SIM cards and an Aadhaar card.
The surrendered cadres and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to Khonsa Police for legal formalities and further action under the government's rehabilitation and reintegration policy for surrendered insurgents.
Officials said the development reflects the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-based operations and coordinated outreach efforts undertaken by the Assam Rifles and Tirap Police to encourage misguided youth to shun violence and return to the mainstream.
Security agencies noted that the surrender also demonstrates increasing confidence among local insurgent cadres in the government’s rehabilitation initiatives and its commitment to providing an opportunity for a peaceful and productive life.
Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region, the Assam Rifles stated that it will continue to work closely with civil administration and police authorities to encourage more misguided youth to eschew violence and contribute towards development and nation-building.
The latest surrender is being viewed as another positive step in the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the insurgency-affected districts of eastern Arunachal Pradesh.