Itanagar, Feb 13: A hardcore cadre of the NSCN-K surrendered to security forces in Tirap district following a targeted operation by the Assam Rifles’ Khonsa Battalion.

Acting on intelligence about the presence of an armed militant in the Moktowa area, the battalion carried out a focused operation on Tuesday. Wangkhu Lowang, 32, a self-styled lieutenant of NSCN-K (Khango Konyak) from Moktowa village in Dadam circle, Tirap district, surrendered at the Battalion Headquarters in Khonsa. He handed over a 7.65 mm pistol with magazine and six live rounds.

Officials described the surrender as a result of intelligence-driven operations combined with humane persuasion, emphasizing the Assam Rifles’ commitment—alongside other security agencies—to peace and encouraging youth to rejoin the mainstream.

Meanwhile, in Manipur, joint operations conducted by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles under Spear Corps, and Manipur Police between February 1 and 7 across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, and Pherzawl districts led to the arrest of seven insurgent cadres. The operations also resulted in the recovery of 18 weapons, explosives, and other war-like materials.

Key actions included:

February 1: Assam Rifles and Thoubal Police commandos arrested a Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (SOREPA) cadre in Mayang Imphal, Imphal West, and seized a smartphone with SIM.

February 2: A joint team uncovered a militant hideout near Tonglhang village, recovering one AK-47, two pistols, two single-barrel rifles, three radio sets, 18 IEDs (destroyed on-site, remnants weighing ~2.5 kg), three 9 mm rounds, eight 7.62 mm rounds, wire bundles, and seven fired 7.62 mm cases.

Authorities said these operations reflect sustained efforts to maintain security and disrupt insurgent activities in the region.