A constable of Mizoram Armed Police (MAP) decamped with two arms and several rounds of ammunition, reportedly to join an insurgent group in neighbouring Manipur, police today said.
Aizawl district additional SP Remsanga told PTI that Constable Malsawmkima of the first battalion of the MAP, posted at the Sakawrdai Police Outpost decamped with his service INSAS rifle, 150 rounds of ammunition and AK-47 assault rifle issued to his friend early this morning.
A resident of Sakawrdai village, Malsawmkima fled the camp with a stolen motorcycle and the vehicle was found near the Mizoram-Manipur border.
He was suspected to have crossed over to Manipur even as a massive combing operation to nab the deserter was launched in the border areas.
An official expressed opinion that the constable most likely had decamped with arms to join the Manipur-based Hmar People's Convention - Democrats militant group operating in both Manipur and Mizoram.
The HPC(D) had earlier held peace talks with the Mizoram government which fizzled out due to misunderstanding between the two sides in 2013.
The outfit, operating from Manipur, has been demanding a separate autonomous district council comprising areas adjoining Manipur.
