LAMKA, November 16: The United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA), an armed group under KNO, late last night, has picked up a member of the rival UTLA faction led by SK Thadou for reportedly harassing locals of Koite area.
The UTLA (SK Thadou) cadre has been identified as Thangkhanlam Mate alias John Mate, 41, son of (L) Thongzaneng Mate of Ngoiphai Village CCpur.
Sources said that Mate has been constantly harassing the people in Koite area of CCpur by extorting money, and that he was caught in the act around 6:30 pm of November 15, 2013.
He was extorting money from village chiefs of Koite area of CCpur, the sources informed.
On being questioned, T Mate said that he is a member of SK Thadou faction of UTLA which is under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre, sources said.
It is also learnt that he had also identified himself as a functionary of the Mate Tribe Council of CCpur.
Talking to the media persons, Seipu alias Isheal who is the commander in chief of UTLA/KNO said that Thangkhanlam is a tribe leader; and asked why he got involved in such activities.
He further informed that his group will not tolerate this type of evil deed; and further added that anyone found indulging in similar acts will be dealt with strictly.
