DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 23 (MExN): A cadre of the GPRN/NSCN was killed and another injured during a gun battle with the Assam Rifles on October 23, Sunday in Okotso village under Wokha district. The shootout reportedly occurred at around 5:30am in the morning. One AR personnel was also reported to have been injured. A press note from the PRO, IGAR (N) informed that the 28 AR had launched an operation on the night of October 22 “based on intelligence reports about the movement of large number of armed UG cadres in general area Okotso.” It further claimed that as the search commenced on October 23 morning, “presence of large number of UG cadres in uniform with weapons was detected in the suspected camp three kms away from Okotso village.” The IGAR (N) claimed that “on being warned,” the cadres “opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces injuring one Assam Rifles soldier and tried to flee from the spot.” It added that during the ensuing fire fight one cadre was killed, and another injured. The IGAR (N) said that the injured cadre was “provided immediate first aid and carried on stretcher by Assam Rifles troops” to the Assam Rifles Medical Officer of 28 AR. The injured cadre was further transported to Civil Hospital, Wokha and handed over to the police, it stated. It further informed that the AR troops recovered six weapons including two AK-47 rifles, one 12 Bore rifle, one point 303 rifle, one G3 rifle and one point 22 mm rifle with ammunition. The IGAR (N) meanwhile said that the ceasefire ground rules “clearly prohibit factions from carrying arms.” GPRN/NSCN claims ‘ambush’ Meanwhile, a press note from the MIP of the GPRN/NSCN condemned the inciden, which it termed as an “ambush” and stated that “this is an act of cowardice and a direct provocation of the Naga Army to resume hostility despite the existence of ceasefire and laid down ground rules.” The GPRN/NSCN claimed that “well aware and respecting the ground rules between the GoI and the GPRN/NSCN, a section of Naga Army had on the orders of the high command vacated their makeshift camp and were heading towards designated camp, when the AR ambushed the Naga Army, violating the ceasefire ground rules.” It cautioned that that if the AR “acts like rogues in uniform, the Naga Army will respond in a befitting manner. Let it be known to the Assam Rifles that Naga Army will not be intimidated by their number or sophisticated arms they carry.” Ceasefire, it maintained, “is in place recognising each other as different entities and to pave the way for an honorable and acceptable political solution for the people of Nagaland.” It demanded an “unconditional apology and return of arms at the earliest,” and advised that “ceasefire ground rules and rules of engagements must be taught to officers and men of the Assam Rifles.” Lotha Hoho condemns The Lotha Hoho Wokha also condemned the incident and reminded that the GPRN/NSCN is presently under Ceasefire with the Government of India. “The GOI has so far not assigned any designated camp for the faction and hence any of its camps, unless provocative should not be searched or be assaulted if not provoked by them,” said a press note from the Lotha Hoho. It further claimed that the site of incident is “more than 40 kilometres from the AR Post at Wokha town.” It asked that the AR and the District Administration “immediately recall the AR cadres and stop violation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules.”