Dimapur, September 3 (MExN): The NSCN (K) today claimed that six personnel of the 5 Assam Rifles were killed while four others sustained critical injuries, in the September 2 ambush near Aghunato town, in Zunheboto District. According to a press release from the MIP, NSCN (K), cadres of the Naga Army, NSCN/GPRN under “Operation Dawn” carried out the ambush at around 4:00 pm while the 5 AR were returning to Zunheboto in a convoy of four vehicles.
“It is confirmed that six jawans were killed on the spot and four sustained critical injuries and more than dozen sustained less critical injuries,” the MIP claimed and further added that the number of deaths could be as high as 8 to 10.
The last truck was completely destroyed after falling into a roadside ditch, while two other trucks were also partially damaged having been fired upon from close quarters, the MIP stated.
“The ambush spot was immediately cordoned off and no police or administrative officials were allowed to enter until the dead soldiers were transported away,” the MIP further claimed.
Refutes PIB Defence claims
Meanwhile, the NSCN (K) refuted claims that two of its cadres involved in snatching weapons on August 29 were apprehended.
The PIB Defence on Friday had claimed the arrest of two NSCN (K) cadres during a combined operation at Sibilong Village in Tamenglong district.
“The allegedly arrested persons Kabigai and Lumkhaolung of Sibilong Village are mere innocent civilians and have no connection whatsoever with the NSCN (K) in any manner,” a statement from the MIP NSCN (K) stated.
Terming the random arrest of innocent civilians by Indian Security forces a “desperate act” to save their faces, the MIP maintained that the protest by the womenfolk of the village against the arrest and subsequent clash between the security forces and the protesting women is evidence “that the two are being made a scapegoat”.
In this regard, the MIP called on concerned civil authorities and human rights groups to immediately intervene “to ensure that innocent civilians are not targeted unnecessarily”.
.JPG)
