DIMAPUR, OCT 16 (MExN): According to reports pouring in from across Nagaland and Manipur, at least eight people including armed cadres from both the NSCN groups have been killed in separate incidents at different places during the last 24 hours. In Nagaland, two NSCN (K) cadres were killed today in separate incidents at Sukhalu village under Zunheboto district and at Saijan village, Athibung circle under Peren district, it was informed. A civilian was also killed in the ensuing gun battle at Saijan village, official sources informed. Today’s factional clash follows the series of violent incidents reported from across the State in which innocent civilians have also not been spared by armed cadres belonging to both the NSCN factions.
Also one NSCN-IM cadre 2nd Lt Harison Tangkhul was killed on October 14 at Naganimora by the NSCN-K Naganimora town command. The NSCN (K) in a release stated that Harison’s girl friend Hara Sharma was also killed by a stray bullet as she was with Harison during the gunfight. The GPRN expressed regret for the incident where Sharma was killed by a stray bullet and has offered an apology to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, according to information received from Peren, a factional clash between the NSCNs began at around 2:30 am in the wee hours of the morning at Saijan village, Athibung circle—around 6 km away from Jalukie. The gunfight reportedly broke out when NSCN (K) cadres attacked the rival’s position at Saijan village.
One NSCN (K) cadre identified as SS Corporal Kanho Konyak, around 26 years, son of Kanga Konyak of Singhamokuk village under Mon district was killed. Another civilian aged around 70 years was also killed in the cross fire. The civilian has been identified as Thongkholam Singsit from Saijan village.Sources informed that the NSCN (IM) cadres numbered around 30 while the NSCN (K) had around 20 cadres.
Situation in the area is reportedly ‘very tense’. Police, 10 IRB, 20 Assam Rifles and Magistrate with Dobashis are reportedly monitoring the situation. NSCN (IM) officials in the area meanwhile expressed unhappiness over the manner in which security forces were dealing with the situation. Family members during the funeral service of late Thongkholam, demanded remuneration from the state government. Civil society groups led by the Zeliangrong Baudi have expressed regret over the recent factional violence terming it as failure to adhere to the ceasefire ground rules.
Later informing to this newspaper about the factional clash at Sukhalu village, NSCN (IM) Deputy Kilonser Kraiba Chawang alleged that the firing was started by the NSCN (K) after which they retreated inside a Church, alleging that the public were being used as human shield. Chawang informed that four NSCN (K) cadres were apprehended, while one was killed. One M-22 sub-machine gun was seized.
Chawang also informed that a combined force of the Manipur People’s Army and the NSCN (K) mounted an attack on NSCN (IM) positions in a place called Mandeu in Tamenglong district of Manipur. Chawang claimed that three dead bodies reportedly belonging to the NSCN (K) and MPA group were lying in the compound of the Church at Mandeu. Firing is still going on, according to Chawang.
