IMPHAL, February 5: A press release of the PRO IGAR (N) has said that in the early hours of February 5 teams of 17 and 19 Assam Rifles under HQ 5 Sect, HQ IGAR (North) based on reliable information regarding the illegal transshipment of arms and ammunition from Ukhrul to NSCN (IM) HQ at Hebron, Dimapur, in a Bolero bearing registration No. NL 07 C 5420, conducted a joint operation.
It said, “The Assam Rifles conducted a swift operation which resulted in the apprehension of one NSCN (IM) cadre and the recovery of a huge consignment of highly sophisticated foreign weapons that included two AK 56 Rifles, three GSG-5 Rifles, one GSG-5 carbine and five 9mm Glock pistols along with 24 rounds of ammunition and Rs 10,170 in cash”.
“Upon questioning, the apprehended NSCN (IM) cadre revealed that these eleven weapons were a part of a larger consignment of highly sophisticated weapons procured recently by the faction from foreign countries and was headed for Hebron”.
“It may be noted that these weapons are manufactured in Germany and Austria”, the statement said.
“The timing, sophistication and lethality of these weapons is a clear indicator of the ulterior motives and nefarious designs of the faction in the run up to the Assembly Elections”, the statement continued.
“Sadly, just 24 hours prior, during the CFMG meeting on February 4, the NSCN (IM) delegation had made tall claims as to how the faction was committed to maintaining peace in Nagaland”.
“This huge arms haul lays bare and exposes the real truth behind the dubious claims being made by the faction with regards to its adherence to the CFGRs and the peace process”, the statement said.
