Arunachal Pradesh Police Uncover Militant Network in Cross-Border Crackdown

The Arunachal Pradesh Police have dismantled a network linked to militant recruitment, arms trafficking, and cross-border criminal activities. Investigations revealed ties to the National Socialist Council for Taniland and efforts to recruit youth by force. Several arrests were made, uncovering connections to a narcotics network and arms trafficking.

The Arunachal Pradesh Police announced a major breakthrough on Thursday after busting a complex network involving militant recruitment, arms trafficking, and cross-border criminal activities.

The operation was linked to the National Socialist Council for Taniland (NSCT) and its military wing, the United Tani Army (UTA). This emerges amidst decades-long advocacy for Taniland, a state proposed for the Tani tribespeople living mostly in northeastern Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Assam.

Police investigations, initiated in January following the circulation of threatening material online by NSCT's Anthony Doke, have led to numerous arrests. Authorities have charged the involved individuals with recruiting marginalized youth into the UTA and trafficking weapons. The investigation has further exposed ties with a narcotics operation near Itanagar, adding to the complexity of the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)