NSCN(I-M) using new extremist outfit as front in Assam

Security forces say arrested ‘army chief’ of Dimasa National Liberation Army revealed links between groups

The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, or NSCN (I-M) could be using a new extremist group as a front for extortion in Assam, officials of security forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations said. A combined team of the Assam police, paramilitary forces and the Army have been probing a possible nexus between the NSCN (I-M) and the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) after the latter’s “army chief” Minom Phunglasa was caught a few months ago. Phunglasa is alleged to have told his interrogators that the NSCN (I-M) was helping the DNLA with arms, training and shelter near Nagaland’s Dimapur town in exchange for a share of money collected as “taxes” from contractors, traders and timber dealers in Assam, primarily the adjoining hill districts of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong.