Security forces were engaged in a gunfight with unknown cadres in Arunachal Pradesh

Guwahati: Security forces were engaged in a gunfight with unknown cadres in Arunachal Pradesh. The incident took place in Pongchau Circle of Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, along the Indo-Myanmar border on Thursday.

After the exchanges of fire, the unknown cadre moved to the other side of the international border.

A defence spokesperson said, “On receipt of specific information about the movement of cadres in the general area of Pongchau Circle of Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, along the Indo-Myanmar border, Security Forces launched a patrol to dominate the border areas on Thursday”.

He added, “While moving through the thick forest, the patrol observed the movement of unknown individuals and challenged them. In response, the patrol drew heavy and indiscriminate fire, from heavy-calibre weapons, which was effectively retaliated by the Security Forces. During the intense firefight, the unknown cadres withdrew across the International Border toward Myanmar. The area was thoroughly searched by the Security Forces however the cadres had managed to cross the border taking cover of the dense surrounding forest.”

Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts known as TCL is an insurgency infested area in Arunachal Pradesh. A senior official in the security agency said, “Militants from the area use this area as a transit route while they move in and out of Myanmar.”