Kohima, April 25 : Security forces have apprehended three cadres of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) during a counter-insurgency operation in Nagalandâ??s Mon district, officials said on Saturday.

According to officials, the operation was launched on Friday based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of ULFA-I cadres in the region.

The cadres were reportedly active in the Phomching area and were attempting to move towards Shangnyu village when security forces initiated the operation. Troops of the Assam Rifles carried out a targeted raid at Shangnyu village under the Phomching sub-division.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence inputs, the forces managed to intercept the militants and apprehended all three without any exchange of fire, officials added.

The arrested individuals have been identified as self-styled Lieutenant Gajendra Asom (35), a resident of Tezpur in Assam; self-styled Lance Corporal Brojen Asom (27) from Jorhat district; and self-styled Sergeant Puhor Asom (26) from Golaghat district.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that Gajendra Asom had been associated with the outfit since 2011, making him the most experienced among the trio. Brojen Asom is believed to have joined the organisation in 2022, while Puhor Asom had been active since 2019.

Security forces also recovered four grenades from their possession, indicating that the cadres were likely involved in planning disruptive activities in the region.

The recovery is being seen as a major success in preventing potential threats to civilian safety and maintaining stability in the border areas.

Officials stated that the apprehended cadres are being further interrogated to gather more information about their network, movement patterns, and possible plans.

The operation underscores the continued vigilance and coordination among security agencies in curbing insurgent activities in the Northeast.

The region has witnessed sustained counter-insurgency efforts in recent years, leading to a decline in militant activities.

However, security forces remain on high alert to neutralise any residual threats and ensure peace and security in the area.

/IANS