Militant of banned National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Akato) surrenders in Arunachal’s Tirap

A militant of the banned National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Akato) faction surrendered before security forces in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district following sustained intelligence-led operations , prolonged persuasion , and counselling, officials said on Monday.

The surrendered operative has been identified as 23-year-old Inno Mosha Pangsa , a resident of Nagaland’s Tuensang district and a self-styled ‘sergeant’ of the outfit . Pangsa had joined the organisation on April 19, 2022. Based on specific intelligence inputs , the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles launched a focused operation on February 15 and established contact through local sources. Security personnel engaged him in sustained dialogue and counselling, eventually convincing him to abandon armed activities and return to the mainstream.

Following prolonged negotiations, Pangsa voluntarily surrendered at the Assam Rifles battalion headquarters in Khonsa on Sunday. During the formal surrender, he handed over one .32 calibre pistol, four live cartridges , a walkie-talkie radio set with its charger, and an appointment letter issued by the outfit. He was subsequently handed over to the Khonsa Police Station for further investigation and legal formalities .

Officials said the surrender reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-based counter-insurgency operations combined with a persuasion-driven approach aimed at encouraging militants to renounce violence. Security agencies described the development as a significant step towards restoring peace and stability in the insurgency-affected Tirap–Longding region.

The NSCN (Akato) faction is a splinter group of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, an insurgent organisation that has been active for decades across parts of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur. The outfit has been accused of involvement in extortion, abductions, arms trafficking, and violent attacks on security forces and civilians, and remains banned under Indian law.

Pangsa’s surrender is part of a continuing trend in the Tirap–Longding belt . Officials said at least five militants have surrendered so far in 2026 , indicating mounting operational pressure and the growing impact of rehabilitation-oriented outreach efforts. Security data also show that 188 insurgents have surrendered in Arunachal Pradesh since 2000 , underlining a long-term decline in insurgency and a gradual return of stability in the region.