Assam Rifles’ operation in Wara-1 of Arunachal pradesh led to the apprehension of two men allegedly involved in recruitment, logistical support and facilitating the movement of NSCN-linked cadres
BY PC Bureau
September 7, 2026: Assam Rifles have uncovered a local support network for insurgent groups in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district with the apprehension of two men working as over-ground operatives for the NSCN (IM).
The two—Kekho Namet and Yumsen Mannow, residents of Lazu village—were picked up by the Lekhapani Battalion of Assam Rifles during an intelligence-led operation in Arunacha Pradesh’s Wara-1 area on September 5, officials said.
The operation followed intelligence inputs about the activities of persons allegedly associated with self-styled SS Major Wangjen Pantha, said to be linked to the NSCN (IM).
According to the security forces, questioning of the two suspects has revealed their alleged involvement in efforts to bring local youths into the insurgent network. They were also suspected of providing logistical assistance and facilitating the movement and communication of cadres.
Investigators are examining their alleged links with Wangjen Pantha and the wider NSCN (IM) network operating in the Tirap belt.
The interrogation has also reportedly brought to light an alleged plan involving an NSCN (K-YA) cadre. The suspects were allegedly involved in facilitating the movement of the cadre, along with a weapon, to an insurgent camp.
𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐦
Acting on specific intelligence, a #SpearCorps formation, in close coordination with #AssamPolice, conducted a joint operation in Tinsukia District, #Assam, resulting in apprehension of… pic.twitter.com/ObCcUJYLH5
— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) September 7, 2026
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There was, however, no official claim in the report that a weapon was recovered from the two men. The weapon reference concerns the alleged plan being investigated by the security agencies.
The arrests come against the backdrop of continued counter-insurgency operations across the Tirap-Changlang-Longding belt, an area where several factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland have maintained networks and where security forces have periodically reported cases involving recruitment, extortion, movement of cadres and logistical support.
The latest arrests also bring renewed attention to Lazu, a village that has figured in an earlier, but separate, counter-insurgency operation.
In January, the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles, along with Arunachal Pradesh Police, apprehended two alleged over-ground workers of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction in connection with an alleged extortion network. One of those arrested, Danwang Maphouk, was a resident of Lazu village. The operation was unrelated to the latest arrests and involved a different NSCN faction.
Security agencies are now expected to examine whether the latest arrests can provide information about the movement of cadres, recruitment efforts and local support structures in Tirap.
The allegations against Namet and Mannow are yet to be established in court. They have been apprehended in connection with the investigation and not convicted of any offence. Further questioning and legal proceedings are expected to determine the nature and extent of their alleged involvement.
