Guwahati: Seven top leaders of the dreaded Karbi Peoples' Liberation Tiger (KPLT) were arrested on Monday in a joint operation by the army and the police in the Amring forest area in Hamren sub division.
The arrest came on the second day of the massive crackdown launched by the joint team in the treacherous terrain of West Karbi Anglong, according to army officials.
Army's Red Horn Division had yesterday apprehended the self-styled "finance secretary" and "auditor" along with one cadre of KPLT from village Karbirongsope in Hamren Sub Division.
One AK Rifle, two pistols along with assorted ammunition including other "War Like Stores" were also recovered from these hardcore terrorists near Tapat hamlet, the officials said.
Based on leads received from the apprehended terrorist leaders about presence of hideout inside the Amring forest area near Village Tapat, the security forces immediately launched a well coordinated massive combing operation in the area, they said.
Traversing for over 16 hours through the thickly forested Karbi Anglong, the joint team of army and police managed to cordon the hideouts by early morning today.
In subsequent operation, after a fierce gunfight that lasted for approximately 45 minutes, the security forces managed to apprehend all seven terrorists.
The arrested included top seven leaders like Sunder Dera (Commander in Chief), Danger Ingti (Deputy Commander in Chief) and the Area Commanders of Socheng and Amring areas, Army officials said.
A large cache of arms and ammunition were also recovered including 4 AK series Rifles, 2 pistols, 1 grenade launcher, 14 magazines of AK Rifles, 6 magazines of pistols, 2343 rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition and 14 rounds of 9 mm caliber ammunition.
Dummy rifles for training of new recruits and various documents like extortion notes of KPLT and demand money receipts were also seized.
The hideout was well stocked with ration, clothing and medicines to sustain the terrorists for prolonged periods.
