NSCN(K) supremo Khaplang emerges as most important insurgent leader in northeast

GUWAHATI: NSCN(K) supremo SS Khaplang has emerged as the most important insurgent leader in the northeast.

The Hemi Naga tribesman from Myanmar has edged past the chairman of the region's biggest outfit - R K Meghen of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) of Manipur - who is now in Guwahati jail. Meghen wanted to become the chairman of the newly floated United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia ( UNLFW).
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Intelligence agencies intercepted messages sent by Meghen from jail, directing UNLF not to join UNLFW if he wasn't made its chairman. Khaplang did not agree to the proposition and went ahead with the formation of UNLFW with just three member outfits.

The killing of 18 Dogra Rifles personnel by Myanmar based militants on June 4 may upset the campaign by several outfits for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act ( AFSPA) from Manipur. While deputy CM Gaikhangam said the attack dampened the state's move to scrap the Act, Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, GOC, 3 Corps, underscored the need for the law to remain for smooth counter-insurgency operations.