Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 3
After a brief lull in factional violence between the rival armed factions, state capital Kohima again erupted with the sound of gunfire creating waves of panic among its citizens as three cadres reportedly belonging to the NSCN (Khaplang) were gunned down in broad daylight in one of the most populated areas in the capital – New Market – by suspected cadres of the rival GPRN/NSCN.
According to informed sources, unidentified gunmen gunned down the NSCN-K cadres while they were visiting relatives while at the same time availing medical attention. The incident occurred at around 12:15 pm at the busy New Market area.
However, there are conflicting reports about the identities of the slain cadres. While police and other sources said that the three were one “lieutenant,” a “second lieutenant” and a “private,” NSCN-K sources said one was a “full lieutenant” while the other two were both “second lieutenants.” All the three deceased are said to belong to the NSCN-K’s ‘army’ from ‘Shepoumaramth region.’
The NSCN-K has identified its slain cadres as ‘Lt’ Veisho of Saranamai village, ‘2nd Lt’ Ahrai of Liyai village and ‘2nd Lt.’ Samuel of Khuinem village. A case in this connection has been registered at the North Police Station in Kohima.
Meanwhile, The NSCN/GPRN (Khaplang) mourns the deaths of three of its cadres, “Lt.” Veisho of Saranamai village, “2nd Lt.” Ahrai of Liyai village and “2nd Lt.” Samuel of Khuinem village.
A brief note of condolence from the organization’s ‘MIP’ said the NSCN/GPRN (Khaplang) honors the sacrifices paid in lives and blood of the cadres. “The peoples’ army have been exercising restraint and patience in order to ensure peace and tranquility in the state capital as desired by the people. It is however an abomination that Khehoi killers have once again contaminated the peaceful environment with bloodbath,” stated the note. “The Nagas in general and Kohimians are urged to voice and act against such elements defying the peace call of the Nagas.”
