Naharlagun, Aug 31: In a major crackdown on insurgent activities, Naharlagun Police have successfully arrested two key members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and an overground worker, seizing a significant amount of extortion money in the process.
The operation was launched following a tip-off received on the evening of August 30, indicating that suspected insurgents were extorting money from the public in Naharlagun using threats and intimidation. The suspects were reported to be traveling in a white Toyota Innova.
Under the leadership of DIGP ICR Vijay Kumar, IPS, a police team was quickly formed, including SP Naharlagun Mihin Gambo, IPS, SDPO Naharlagun Paul Jerang, SDPO Yupia Radhe Obing, Inspector K. Dev, and personnel from the Naharlagun Police Station. The team intercepted the vehicle near E-Sector, Naharlagun, resulting in the arrest of 40-year-old Sampho Wangsa from Pangchau, Longding, and 35-year-old overground worker Chandan Bhuyan from Narayanpur, Lakhimpur, Assam.
During questioning, Wangsa admitted his role as the Revenue Incharge for the NSCN-IM in the Pangchau and Wakka areas of Longding. He disclosed that he was in Naharlagun to collect extortion money from local businessmen with the assistance of another insurgent, Chopsai Pansa from Longding. Wangsa then led the police to Pansa’s location.
Based on this information, the police raided a hotel in E-Sector, Naharlagun, where they apprehended Chopsai Pansa, a 55-year-old self-styled Captain of the NSCN-IM. During the raid, the police recovered ₹3.4 lakh in cash and two cheques of ₹20 lakh each, believed to be extorted from local businesses, along with other incriminating materials.
A case involving charges of extortion, organized crime, and terrorism has been registered at the Naharlagun Police Station, and an investigation is currently underway, according to an official release.4o
