The NSCN/GPRN (YA) on Thursday, March 26, claimed that a Naga Army tactical unit carried out an attack on an Assam Rifles construction team along the Namgoi Pangsau road, allegedly resulting in casualties.
A statement issued by the group’s Ministry of Information and Publicity said the attack took place at around 5:30 PM and was linked to opposition against the ongoing border fencing exercise. “In response to the unified voice of the Nagas against the construction of the unlawful fence by India along the artificial boundary, the Naga Army tactical Unit carried out a massive attack on the 10th Assam rifles construction team this evening at 5:30 PM (IST) on Namgoi-Pangsau road, killing three on the spot,” it stated.
The statement further criticised the fencing project, alleging that it was being carried out despite protests.
“Despite strong protest from all Nagas from both sides of the imposed borders, India remains insensitive and the illegal construction continues with impunity,” it said.
It also asserted that the move would be resisted and termed it a violation of fundamental principles. “Nagas will continue to defend our dignity, our homeland and our freedom and will reject this black colonial project at all cost,” the statement added.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the claims at the time of filing this report. However, according to an India Today NE report, “a brief exchange of fire between security forces and suspected militants” along the India-Myanmar border in Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh left one soldier injured.
The incident occurred between Border Pillar numbers 172 and 173, where personnel of the Assam Rifles were supervising ongoing border fencing work.
“During the exchange, a soldier identified as Ravi Kumar sustained injuries. There were no reports of casualties among the militants,” the report said.