Top NSCN-K leader killed

Security forces killed three hardcore NSCN-K militants, including a top leader of the group, on Monday in Nagaland’s remote Zunheboto district. The slain militants include L Tuccu, the self-styled finance secretary of NSCN-K. Two over ground workers were also arrested.

According to Army sources, security forces deployed in the area had inputs of infiltration of several groups of NSCN(K) cadres from across the Indo-Myanmar border last week. An operation was launched and reinforcement were also sent since a tip-off indicated that  the NSCN-K was equipped with bombs, rockets and heavy weapons to carry out attacks.

According to Assam Rifles sources, around 5:15 am on Monday, a Tata Sumo was observed moving in the area. As the vehicle was asked to stop for checking, the occupants from inside the vehicle fired on the security forces, who retaliated. In the ensuing encounter three cadres of NSCN-K were neutralised and one over ground worker was also apprehended.

Tuccu was a senior cadre in the NSCN-K and was controlling the entire financial transactions in Nagaland and was one of the closest aide of NSCN-K chief S S Khaplang.