Dibrugarh: The Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles apprehended two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction during targeted operations on January 10, 2026.
The operations were carried out in Khonsa Market and Deomali areas of Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh under the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North).
Based on specific and credible intelligence from ground sources received around 1430 hours, security forces learned about extortion activities in the Khonsa Market area.
Acting on this input, the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles and the Arunachal Pradesh Police jointly launched a swift and coordinated operation.
During the operation, one OGW of NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) was apprehended near a wine shop in Khonsa Market while allegedly collecting extortion money from a local shopkeeper.
The apprehended individual has been identified as Khechan Khetey (30), son of Khenyak Khetey, resident of Old Paniduria Village of Borduria in Tirap.
He was an active OGW of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction.
Recoveries from the first apprehendee include:
“We have recovered one extortion note of NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi), one mobile phone, one SIM card, and CCTV footage related to the extortion activities,” said an official.
Further, based on information extracted from the apprehended OGW and specific intelligence inputs received from our agencies, the operation was extended to the general area of Deomali.
Another OGW of NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) was apprehended while forcibly extorting money from a local shopkeeper in Deomali.
The second individual has been identified as Danwang Maphouk, son of Kekho Maphouk, resident of Lazu Village, Tirap District, Arunachal Pradesh. He is a strong sympathiser and an active OGW of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction.
Recovered items during this operation include cash of Rs 3,93,140, one smartphone, one keypad mobile phone, three SIM cards, and one handbag.
Both apprehended OGWs, along with the recovered items, have been handed over to Khonsa Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The successful execution of these operations highlights the Assam Rifles’ steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and security and curbing insurgent-linked extortion activities in Tirap District, in close coordination with state police and civil authorities.