DIMAPUR, AUGUST 29: Dimapur Police arrested two persons and recovered five .303 rifles along with 90 rounds of live ammunition during an interception at Aoyimti village on August 27.
According to police officials at East Police Station, the operation was carried out based on intelligence inputs regarding the movement of arms and ammunition. The police team intercepted an auto-rickshaw bearing registration number NL07F-6939 near the Aoyimti village cemetery at around 5:30 p.m. on August 27.
During a search of the vehicle, police recovered five .303 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition. Two mobile phones and the auto-rickshaw were also seized in connection with the case.
The two arrested persons have been identified by Dimapur Police as Ghotovi Yeptho, 50, described as a self-styled Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN-Kitovi, and Akhehoto Yeptho, 33. Police said Ghotovi Yeptho claimed affiliation with the NSCN-Kitovi, while the affiliation, if any, of the younger man is yet to be ascertained.
The two are reportedly brothers and hail from Zunheboto district.
A case has been registered at East Police Station, and both accused are currently in police custody as the investigation continues.
The seizure has raised questions over the source and intended destination of the firearms and ammunition. Investigators are also expected to establish the ownership of the auto-rickshaw and determine whether Akhehoto Yeptho has any affiliation with an armed group.
Police are probing where the five rifles and 90 rounds of ammunition were being taken from and where they were allegedly headed. The motive behind the transportation of the arms is also yet to be established.
The recovery comes amid heightened police action against the illegal movement of contraband and other unlawful activities in and around Dimapur.
Meanwhile, clarification from the NSCN-Kitovi is awaited regarding the alleged affiliation of Ghotovi Yeptho and his identification by police as a self-styled Deputy Kilonser of the group.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
