Confrontation between AR-NSCN (IM) continues, NH-2 closed indefinitely

Our Correspondent
Senapati, Feb 21: Alleging constant provocation, high-handedness by 34 Assam Rifles and denouncing arrest of an NSCN-IM cadre, the public in Senapati DHQs went on rampage on Friday afternoon and vandalised AR vehicles. NH-2 has been closed indefinitely. Shops remained shut as tension reigned high till late evening.
Huge mob in hundreds armed with sticks and stones turned out at Mayangkhang along NH-2 and damaged some vehicles belonging to Assam Rifles convoy. Attempts to burn down military vehicles were stopped after civil bodies' leaders intervened. All traffic movements along the highway have been blocked and no sign of opening the road was seen till the time of filing this report at 8.30 pm.
Many have pointed out that the Friday public outcry was a result of the Thursday incident when 34 AR jawans and NSCN-IM cadres were engaged in a heating argument and a physical confrontation followed by the NSCN (IM) cadres fleeing with an AK-47 rifle of the AR. The AK-47 rifle was later handed over to the AR through civil body organisations.
Sources informed that a team of 34 AR jawans led by a Captain of Senapati Company 'triggered' the provocations after the NSCN-IM cadre identified as Gideon was allegedly arrested and whisked away to an unknown location.
Soon after the news of incident in the crowded DHQs town spread, people particularly womenfolk gathered and blocked NH-2 in different areas - Tumuyon Khullen, Mayangkhang, DHQ town and Karong.
Demanding immediate release of the cadre, womenfolk in large number blocked the highway with placards condemning the act of the Assam Rifles. The womenfolk held placards that read " stop creating war like situation", "enemy of the Hills." Tyres and woods were burnt on the streets while people instructed shops and business establishments to shut. Many organizations including NPO, SDSA and SDWA along with tribal leaders held emergency meeting to defuse  the tension in the district. Senapati police have been put on high alert to prevent untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, family of the arrested cadre have accused the AR of serious physical torture of Gideon and concealing his location.
Sources informed, that the highway will remain closed until the cadre is released unconditionally.
Till the time of filing this report, there is no report of Gideon being released.