2 Bangladesh-origin Americans deported from Mizoram over alleged links with CHT insurgents: NDTV

Four Bangladeshi-origin US nationals would be coming to the state capital Aizawl on May 2 to meet militants, according to an intelligence report

Photo: NDTV

Two Bangladesh-origin US nationals were arrested in Mizoram's Lengpui airport and deported from the state capital Aizawl over their plans to meet militants of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNA/F), NDTV reports.

Intelligence reports indicated four US nationals would be coming to Aizawl using tourist visas on May 2, NDTV quoted sources on Saturday.

While two of them were identified by single names -- “Chekun” and “Saron”, the names of the other two were not known, the report said.

After reaching Aizawl, they planned to meet KNA/F leaders including Nathan Lawncheo Bawm, it added.

Bawm, whose whereabouts are unknown, is the founder of the KNA/F and its armed wing, the Kuki-Chin National Army, active in Bangladesh's Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).

From Aizawl, the four planned to move to Lawangtlai district and visit Bawm community refugee camps in the border areas, NDTV said, citing sources.

At least two Bangladesh-origin US nationals had played a key role in developing the KNA/F in CHT during its nascent stage, it added.

Since they continue to support subversive activities in the border areas, the authorities received information to take appropriate and timely action on the matter, NDTV said.

The KNA/F has been allegedly using acronyms such as “KNA” to confuse people; they started using KNA/A in February, and are now using KNA/F, according to the report.