Police arrested three members of the Niki Sumi group of NSCN (K) allegedly involved in blank firing in different locations here. A huge quantity of arms and ammunition was also recovered from them.

Nagaland police said the arrested militants have been identified as supervisor of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board and kilonser (minister) of the Niki Sumi group of the NSCN (K) Nikato Pilot Sumi,31, self-styled ‘sgt. maj’ Awang Konyak ,28, and self-styled ‘sgt maj’ Wahkoi Konyak ,28, of the group.

HK 33 rifle, two magazines of HK 33 rifle, one Italy-made 7.65mm pistol, one magazine of 7.65mm pistol, one magazine of 9mm pistol, 117 live rounds of HK 33 rifle, 17 live rounds of 7.65mm pistol, six empty cases of HK 33 rifle, two empty cases of 7.65 mm pistol, one rifle sling, one knife and Rs 1,82,700 in cash were recovered from them.

Police said a complaint was registered in West police station on Wednesday that some unknown miscreants fired at three different locations – Nepali Basti, Residency Colony and Notun Bosti – between 1.25 am to 1.38 am that day.

Another incident of firing by unknown miscreants was reported at Landmark Colony here around 6.30 pm on October 26, police said. A case in this regard was also registered in West police station.

While investigating the incident, the police team collected intelligence in the area. Gathering the information, police said, the route used by the miscreants was analysed and CCTV footage of cameras was obtained.

On analysis of CCTV footage and statement of eyewitnesses, a search operation was launched to catch the suspected white Bolero used by the miscreants.

Consequent upon swift cordon and search operation, the suspected vehicle was located, chased and the three accused were arrested with a huge quantity of arms and ammunition within two hours of the last firing incident reported, police added.

Meanwhile, the NSCN (K) faction said it has taken serious note of some of its members being involved in the ‘blank firing’ incident in the heart of Dimapur town on Wednesday.

It asserted that it will conduct a thorough investigation to bring the case to a logical conclusion.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]