Arunachal: Civilian killed, several injured in crossfire between security forces & insurgents in Longding

ITANAGAR | May 16:

A local villager was killed and several were injured after they were caught in a cross fire between the security forces and insurgents in Pumao village, Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh today.

Defence officials informed that the Indian Army had received intelligence inputs in the last few days regarding the movement and activities of NSCN (IM) cadres in Longding District.

And on May 16, based on specific inputs regarding presence of insurgents in Pumao village, the troops of Indian Army launched a search operation inn the village.

According to Defence officials, there was a gathering of villagers, who reportedly started protesting against security forces and resorted to stone pelting.

"Troops identified suspicious movement and started moving towards a house which drew two to three bursts of fire on Indian Army party. Civilians were told to disperse and to safeguard lives and property; controlled retaliation was resorted by firing eight single shots," claimed Defence officials.

In all this melee, it was reported that insurgents managed to escape, however, in this cross fire it is believed that few villagers got hurt and one villager died.

"Indian Army offers condolences to family of the deceased villager", said Defence sources.

It was also reported that many soldiers of Indian Army also got injured due to stone pelting by some of the villagers, who the security forces alleged were supporters of NSCN (IM).