NAHARLAGUN, Aug 31: Two hardcore NSCN-IM cadres and an overground worker were arrested while a total of Rs 3.4 lakh in extortion money was recovered during an operation by the police in Naharlagun on Saturday.

Acting on a tip-off that suspected insurgents were extorting money from the public in Naharlagun, a police team intercepted a white Toyota Innova near E-Sector on Friday evening, police said.

The team led Naharlagun SP Mihin Gambo, SDPOs Paul Jerang and Radhe Obing, and Inspector K Dev under the supervision of DIGP Vijay Kumar apprehended Sampho Wangsa (40), a resident of Pangchau in Longding district and Chandan Bhuyan (35), an overground worker from Narayanpur, Lakhimpur district, Assam.

During interrogation, Wangsa revealed he is a member of the NSCN-IM and holds the position of revenue in-charge for the Pangchau and Wakka areas in Longding.

Wangsa disclosed that he was in Naharlagun to collect money from businessmen, in collaboration with another cadre, Chopsai Pansa, he said.

Based on Wangsa's information, the police raided a hotel in E-Sector and arrested Pansa (55), a self-styled captain in the NSCN-IM.

A total of Rs 3.4 lakh in cash and two cheques of Rs 20 lakh each were recovered from Pansa, along with other incriminating materials, he said.

“The extortion money was allegedly collected by threatening and intimidating locals,” SP Gambo said.

A case has been registered at Naharlagun police station under relevant sections, and further investigation is underway, he said.