The NDFB(S) had started the attacks in Assam in December, in which over 80 people were killed. (Agence France-Presse)
Twelve militants of NDFB-Songbijit, which was behind the December massacre of over 70 people in lower Assam, were apprehended during a joint operation by security forces in the Manas Reserve Forest in Chirang District along the India-Bhutan border.
IGP LR Bishnoi has said the 12 militants, including two who were on the wanted list, were apprehended in the joint operation by police, SSB and CRPF yesterday, along with a huge quantity of arms and ammunition.
The operation had been launched on January 8 and the arrested ultras include NDFB-S Panbari 'platoon commander' B Jakrup and its central council accountant '2nd Lieutenant' Bey Rumolu, who carry a reward of Rs five lakh each, besides the underground outfit's 13th battalion 'deputy commandant' B Simang and its central council member N Phulersa, Mr Bishnoi said.
The others are its Chirang platoon second-in-charge self-styled 'sergeant major' N Chage, 'section commander corporal' B Aorai, its '13th battalion corporal' M Jahor, 'lance corporal' Khoiram Doira, 'section commanders' Sujilang and B Thouren, besides cadres G Kala and B Aogao, he said.
The seizures include four AK-56 rifles, five pistols, one 303 rifle, one .315 rifle, four grenades, 12 magazines and 784 rounds of ammunition, the IGP added.