A combined team of 36 Assam Rifles and Churachandpur district police arrested a self-styled town commander of Chin Kuki Liberation Army (CKLA), an underground outfit, along with arms and ammunitions near Dorcas Hall, New Lamka, Churachandpur district at around 7.50 PM on Friday.
The arrested person has been identified as Hemkhothang Baite, 46, son of Lhunkholet Baite of Bisanmual, Churachandpur district, presently staying at K Vangphai village of the same district.
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Police reported that acting on information about extortion activities by unknown non-SoO groups in the New Lamka area, the combined team conducted frisking and checking in front of Dorcas Hall, New Lamka, Churachandpur district.
During the frisking and checking, an individual (Hemkhothang) driving a two-wheeler (Yamaha Ray ZR without registration plate) was detained; he was moving in a suspicious manner. On checking of the individual, one 9mm pistol labelled as Pietro Beretta B/No. J68507Z (GARDONE V.T.) along with nine live rounds of 9mm ammunition; one pistol magazine; one wallet with cash Rs 500; one voter card; one Aadhaar card and one mobile phone were seized from his possession.
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Hemkhothang revealed that he is the self-styled town commander of CKLA who is also holding a post of self-styled lieutenant colonel of the outfit.
Hemkhothang was arrested and the items were seized from his possession on the spot.
The arrested person was taken to Churachandpur Police Station and a case has been registered under Arms Act for further investigation.
