NH blocked for 2 hours as public demand release of alleged NSCN (IM) cadre

Senapati, 05 Sep: Commuters travelling along the highway including trucks loaded with goods heading for state capital were stranded and blocked along the National Highway, protesting and demanding release of an alleged cadre of NSCN (IM) arrested by Assam Rifles.

According to reliable source, 34th Assam Rifles posted at Maram arrested an alleged cadre of NSCN (IM) early Saturday morning at around 3:00 from Khrokho village situated between Mao Gate and Khojoma, Nagaland.

The arrested individual has been identified as Salew Hepuni (40), S/o Salew Mao of Songsong Village, Mao Gate. He was reportedly taken to Bn H/Q but was later shifted to Sekmai.

Following the arrest, people from Mao and Maram stormed the gate of Assam Rifles demanding the release of the arrested, terming him to be innocent civilian. District CSOs rushed to the spot on hearing the news where they were not entertained by the army officers at the gate of the army camp.

The protesters held placards with slogans such as “Assam Rifles, Enemy of the Hill People” and “We demand Immediate Release of the Civilian.”

However, with interventions from higher authority, the arrested was assured to release that made the blockade to lift after stranded for about 2 hours in the afternoon.

The district CSOs reportedly offered refreshment to all stranded persons during their demand to release the arrested civilian.

Reports came from family sources adding the arrested was handed over to the family members and village leaders from Lmaphel Police Station, Imphal at the time of filing of this report. The arrested will reportedly be kept at Mao Police Station till necessary paper works are completed.