DIMAPUR, February 19 (MExN): A cadre of the NSCN (K) was killed in an encounter with the Assam Rifles on February 18, stated the AR in a press release. According to the AR, the cadre identified as ‘Lieutenant’ Inato Ayee, was killed near Chumukedima village after the 37 AR launched an operation “in the area of Paglapahar and Razephema” following receipt of information about “presence of NSCN (K) cadres attempting to re-establish extortion network in Dimapur, Chumukedima and along NH- 29.”
The cadre was killed in retaliatory fire after he shot at the AR troops, who were conducting search at the road leading from Rezephema towards Paglapahar Bridge, the AR stated, while adding that it occured around 9:00 pm. A cache of arms and ammunition, which included one 9mm pistol with ammunition, hand grenades and lathod rounds was recovered, the AR said, and informed that the body of the deceased was handed over to Medziphema Police Station.
According to the AR, the slain cadre was recently appointed as “Tax Collection In Charge of Zunheboto” and added that “he was probably dispatched to Chumukedima for re-establishment of extortion network in the area.” The AR further said that the deceased cadre had served as body guard of ‘Brigdier’ Akaho Sema, “who is now the Finance Secretary of NSCN (K).”
Deceased was living as a normal civilian: Civil society orgs
Meanwhile, the Western Yimchungru Student’s Union (WYSU), Western Yimchungru GB’S Union, Old Showuba Village Council today accused the Assam Rifles of premeditating the killing. The organisations in a joint statement, said that “late Inato was arrested by IRB personnel when he was NSCN (K) on September 2013 at Kohima under Arm Act.” However, having served time, and after his release, Inato “was living as a normal civilian,” they stated.
Alleging that the killing was a “premeditated plan,” the organisations stated that Inato had left his home at Old Showuba on February 18 with nothing but the clothes he wore. His body was later found with six bullet marks “as if he was killed in a battle field,” it was added. “The cruel murder of late Inato Sumi was a premeditated plan... We request the concern investigation officer to oblige their duty with truthfulness and seriousness to bring the culprit to book at the earliest and let truth prevails,” the organisations stated.
The organizations informed that Inato was a permanent resident of Sukiur ‘B’ Village under Shamator Sub-Division and had been presently residing at old Showuba village.
