Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Rural Works Department Tingpong Wangham and a former minister T L Rajkumar were arrested by police under Arunachal Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Act, 2002 for their alleged nexus with ultras of NSCN factions active in Tirap and Changlang districts.

Wangham and Rajkumar were arrested from their official residences and hunt was on to nab another former minister Lwanglat in connection with the case.

All the three accused are the sitting members of the ruling Congress in the State Assembly and elected from Tirap district. Their involvement with underground outfits came to light following the seizure of a diary from two NSCN (IM) activists who were arrested some time ago.

Meanwhile, insiders say that at least 13 politicians, including ministers and an MP, reportedly under surveillance for alleged links with separatists.

All the 13 represent constituencies in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh known to the hotbed of insurgent activities in the State.

But Wangham one of the two arrested politicians accused his rivals of throwing baseless charges at him."I have never given shelter to militants and my arrest, I believe, was done at the behest of some jealous political rivals from within my party and may be some from outside."
    
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