Arunachal: Driver abducted with vehicle from Tirap, 2nd abduction in 3 days, MP Tapir Gao appeals for safe return

Copy edited by Lipika Roy with Ripunjoy Das

Within days of Kamhua Noksa village head and his brother being allegedly abducted from the Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh by individuals suspected to be cadres of banned militant outfit – National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-KYA), a driver along with his vehicle has been kidnapped from Tissa area of Tirap district on Wednesday evening.

The abducted driver has been identified as Bharat Rajwar.

According to Police, the vehicle was used by the Assam Rifles to ferry ration and other supplies to its Company Operating Bases in Area of Responsibility. Last night, it had left the Kunsa COB of Assam Rifles around 12:30 AM and was heading to its battalion headquarters in Khonsa. A group of armed militants intercepted the vehicle in between Tissa and Khonsa and abducted Rajwar along with the vehicle.

Following the incident, a massive search has been launched across Longding and Tirap districts to trace the abducted driver and the vehicle. However, they are yet to be traced.

Kamhua Noksa village head-Katwang Wangham (40) and his brother- Wangtai Wangsa were allegedly abducted by a group of 5 highly armed militants from their home in Longding district at around 8PM on October 29. The incident came to light on Wednesday (November 1).

Based on FIR filed by the victims’ family, police registered a case to investigate the matter. Security forces have launched a massive manhunt to find Wangham and his brother, buy they are yet to be traced, four days after the incident.

In response to the multiple kidnappings, state BJP president and Lok Sabha MP, Tapir Gao has said that even if the identity of the abductors is yet to be known, he appealed for the safe release of all individuals held captive.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Tapir Gao said, “I learned about the kidnappings. I have spoken to the Longding district administration regarding this. Even so, it is still unclear if the kidnappers are members of a terrorist group. Whoever you are, I appeal you to release all the persons being held captive, safe and unharmed.”

Gao also said, ‘If any militant outfit is involved in this, please shun path of violence, and get engage in a peace talk with the Government of India for the betterment of the society and the country.

It may be mentioned here that the NSCN-KYA had kidnapped several people from Longding district for extortion in the past couple of years. One trader was killed in the middle of Longding town.
In November last year, NSCN K-YA militants have abducted a man identified as 40-year-old Khampai Wangsa from the Kunsa village in Longding district and demanded a huge ransom for Wansa’s release.
In May 2022, it kidnapped Alai Wangsu, the president of Pumao village and headman of Lauksim village, Napho Boham. They were later released following pressure from local villagers and security forces.
It may be mentioned that the outfit is yet to engage in peace talks with the Government of India and continues to fight for ‘Naga sovereignty’ in both India and Myanmar.

Also Read: Arunachal: Kamhua Noksa village head, brother abducted from Longding, NSCN-KYA hand suspected