NIA continues its operation against NSCN, on lookout for 14 more terrorists still in Myanmar

New Delhi: After arresting a top leader of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), allegedly involved in the conspiracy behind the killing of 18 Army personnel in Manipur recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is now on a lookout for 14 more terrorists who are still in Myanmar, sources said.

According to sources, all 14 terrorists wanted in Manipur ambush are of Indian origin. Photographic examination suggested that these 14 terrorists belong to KCP, KYKL, NSCN(K), KLO and ULFA.

The terrorists were directly taking orders from self-styled Lt General Niki Sumi, military advisor to NSCN(K) chief SS Khaplang. The group also had advance information on Indian Army 6 Dogra regiment's movement, the sources said.

Sources further said that Army jawans did not follow standard operating procedures, making them easy targets for NSCN cadres.

The top leader of NSCN 40-year-old Khumlo Abi Anal arrested on Monday was sent to nine days in police remand. He allegedly met several people before the attack and mapped the area a week before the ambush.

The Indian Army had earlier killed at least 20 terrorists belonging to Northeast insurgent groups, who had ambushed a convoy of 6 Dogra Regiment in Chandel district of Manipur on June 4.

Special Forces in coordination with the Indian Air Force had launched a daring operation to neutralise insurgents near the Indo-Myanmar border.

The ambush on the 6 Dogra Regiment convoy, which was being deinducted from the area, was carried out by terror groups active on the Tengnoupal-New Samtal road between Paralong and Charong villages at about 9 AM on June 4, about 80 km from Manipur capital Imphal.

The army truck carrying soldiers and fuel was first hit by a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) following which the terrorists used rocket propelled grenades and automatic assault rifles to pin down the soldiers resulting in the heaviest casualty suffered by the force in over three decades. Eleven other soldiers were injured in the ambush.

Naga insurgent outfit NSCN along with Manipuri outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy.