Kohima, January 30 2009: Has there been a new militant outfit floated in Nagaland ? This speculation was noted after the Dimapur police revovered a cash receipt book with a letter-pad of an outfit christened as United Tribal Defence Army (UTDA) in Dimapur.

In an incident today at around 1:30 pm, an extortionist identified as Lavanthung Patton was nabbed by Dimapur police for demanding money from different businessmen in Marwaripatti in Dimapur on Thursday night.

Cash amounting to Rs.2035 along with a letter pad and receipt book of United Tribal Defence Army (UTDA) was recovered possession of the accused.

Meanwhile, in a major achievement, Dimapur police has nabbed at least 21 persons for involvement in different crimes, including extortion and dacoity during the past one week within Dimapur district of Nagaland.

Sources revealed that a total nine dacoits, all Muslims, 10 extortionists and two armed miscreants have been nabbed since January 24 to 30 .

In a case that occurred yesterday, police nabbed two armed biker identified as Itovi Sema and Hukavi Sema for looting an amount of Rs.30,000 from a sand dealers at Naharbari along the National highway-39.One 9 mm pistol with two live rounds have been recovered from their possession.

In another incident, three miscreants indentified as Netovi, Vikuto and Inaho were nabbed yesterday for forcibly entering into a Manipuri Hotel near Hong Kong Market and snatching away a mobile handset and Rs.50 from a customer while also bashing up an IRB jawan lodged in the Hotel and demanding Rs.10,000 from him.

In yet another case of extortion, two Semas and two Nepalese identified as Tokuvi Zhimomi, Shihoto, Gopal Bahadur Kutwal and Erose Gurung were taken under remand on Tuesday for reportedly collecting illegal tax in the name of Dimapur Orphans Union.

Cash amounting to Rs.2100 have been recovered from their possession and the vehicle used by them for the illegal collection (Maruti Car -NL01/C1750) have also been seized.

Two armed miscreants identified as Vinihoto Yeptho and Kisito Awomi were arrested for reportedly snatching away an auto-rickshaw on the night from January 24 threatening the driver with a pistol.

A .32 pistol with 6 live rounds have been recovered from their possession while the auto-rickshaw has also been found.

Meanwhile, sources revealed that the East PS has managed to make a major break through in December 3, 2008 highway dacoity, wherein a Manipur bound bus carrying around 45 passengers were looted by a huge group of dacoits along the National highway-39 .

Sources said that the dacoits had looted around Rs.50,000 from the passengers while the victims reported the matter to Chumukedima check post.

Subsequently, the matter was referred to Dimapur East PS and the personnel yesterday managed to nab nine non-locals (Muslims) involved in the robbery.

Sources also revealed that at least 15 miscreants were involved in the robbery, while nine have been nabbed hunt for other accused dacoits are still on.

All the cases have been reportedly registered under Dimapur East PS and investigations under process while the arrested persons forwarded to judicial remand.

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