NSCN(I-M) extortion, recruitment drives on, says AR

UKHRUL (Manipur), Dec 26 — The Assam Rifles had been successful in minimising the activities of the NSCN(I-M), though the outfit is still recruiting cadres and carrying out extortion nearly a month after the ban on it was lifted, according to a senior AR official, reports PTI. NSCN (I-M) cadres are sticking to ground rules of the ceasefire, but are carrying on recruitment drives and extortion in Ukhrul district, the operational area of the Assam Rifles, AR Commander 10 Sector Brig V Suresh Nair told reporters here Monday. The outfit is also operating with the militant Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), he said, adding that the killing of three police constables in an ambush on December eight near New Haven area in the district was either the handiwork of the KLA or KRA, Brig Nair said. Since the NSCN(I-M) is no longer banned outfit, its members would not be apprehended if they went about in civil dress, but would be arrested if found carrying arms, he added.