Four top BLFM cadres nabbed

Aizawl, Apr 21 (UNI) In a major breakthrough, four top Bru Liberation Front of Mizoram (BLFM) cadres were nabbed in a joint operation by Mizoram police and Assam Rifles, police said today.

Disclosing this to the media, DGP L Sailo said the raid called 'Operation Black Hound' was launched last night, where the top leadership of BLFM including its self-styled president Vanlalliana, vice president Vanrama, self-styled chief of army staff Romawia Meska and lieutenant Lalwma were arrested.

Mr Sailo said no arms were recovered from them. He, however, did not disclose from where they were arrested.

He also pointed out, despite constant appeal from the Mizoram government, to lay down their arms and come over ground and to avail of the rehabilitation, which was signed between the government and BNLF, the BLFM, the splinter group, continued carrying out extortions, kidnapping of innocent persons and threatening the villagers living in Mizoram-Tripura border areas.

''The arrest of top leadership of BLFM will certainly go a long way in the early solution of Bru refugees problem, who are now staying in the refugee camps in the north Tripura district'', he said.

He also added that the arrested cadres were already brought to Aizawl for the trial.

Mr Sailo underlined that on March 16, about 38 cadres of BLFM had surrendered to Mizoram police, which was facilitated by Assam Rifles.

''Due to continued operations launched by the security forces some difference had cropped up resulting in infightings within the BLFM'', he said.

CID SP C, Laldina, who was also present, said the operation was still going on and that it would not be safe to reveal everything.

The police said there may still be about 200 members of the BLFM on the loose.

UNI SNR PC DB AD BST1700