Ten HNLC cadres apprehended in Tripura

Agartala, June 23 (UNI) In the backdrop of the on going peace process between the Centre and the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and the NSCN(IM), Tripura Police has arrested Meghalaya based 10 hardcore HNLC terrorists at Kumarghat under Kailashar Sub-Division in North Tripura.

The terrorists were nabbed, in the wee hours yesterday when they were trying to enter the state. Acting on a tip-off, the police laid a trap at Hiracherra bordering Bangladesh. The police team led by SDPO Sisir Kumar Roy surrounded the terrorists and caught them.

When interrogated, the leader of the group Bobby Marang confessed that they had received training at the Chittagong Hill Tracts and were on their way to East Khasi hills in Meghalaya. He also confessed that more then 1500 cadres belonging to the HNLC are still undergoing training at various camps in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, three tribals were kidnapped by BNCT militants, a faction of the NLFT, from Satyaban Karbaripara under Chaumanu Police station area yesterday. Police said three persons Bharat Chakma (35), Naramchand Chakma (43) and Khirod Chakma (27) were kidnapped by the militants. Bharat and Naramchand Chakma were later released, but Khirod Chakma a local contractor, is still in the captivity.

Police believes it to be a case of ransom demand.

The police has launched an extensive manhaunt in search of Khirod Chakma.

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