GUWAHATI, Sept 10 - The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today announced cash rewards to anyone who can provide information about the whereabouts of SS Khaplang, the chairman of the NSCN(K), and Niki Sumi, head of the armed wing of the outfit.
The NIA said in a statement that cash reward of Rs 10 lakh would be given to anyone providing information on whereabouts of Sumi, while cash award of Rs 7 lakh has been announced for information on Khaplang.
The NIA statement said that Khaplang, who is a resident of Pangsau district of Myanmar, and Sumi masterminded an attack on Assam Rifles in Nagaland on March 23, which was followed by an attack on a convoy of 6 Dogra Rifles of the Army in Chandel district of Manipur on June 4. Both the cases are being investigated by the NIA.
Meanwhile, security sources told The Assam Tribune that both Khaplang and Sumi are now in Myanmar as the NSCN(K) has strong bases in the neighbouring country. The Government of India is in touch with the Government of Myanmar seeking the custody of Khaplang, who is a national of that country. Sources said that after breaking away from the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, Khaplang formed a common platform for four extremist groups of the Northeast and masterminded the attacks on the security forces.
Meanwhile, some civil society groups of Nagaland are trying to persuade Khaplang to rejoin the peace process and a delegation is likely to visit the neighbouring country to request the militant leader to join the peace talks.
