NSF calls for public rally in Kma on June 28, total bandh on July I
Kohima, June 25 (MExN): In what could be termed as a ripple effect of the factional clashes in Zunheboto, suspected cadres of GPRN/NSCN and NSCN (K) exchanged gunfire along Church road below NH 29 near Mezhür Higher Secondary School Kohima at around 10:30 am today. Speaking to The Morung Express, SP Kohima revealed that one NSCN (K) captain Medoneizo of Piphema village was injured and later admitted to Naga Hospital Kohima where he was operated.
On receiving information of the firing, state police along with paramilitary forces conducted a quick “flush out operation”, wherein Inavi Chishi, a captain in the GPRN/NSCN was apprehended by the Assam Rifles and later handed over to the police. One 9mm Beretta pistol and a .32 pistol were recovered from the accused and injured respectively. According to the SP, a GPRN/NSCN cadre was also suspected to be injured in the gun fire. No further reports of clashes have been reported till the filing of this report and the SP said that the situation is under control.
A Maruti Alto belonging to the Assistant General Secretary of NSF, Kesosul Christopher Ltu who was with two other occupants was also hit from the rear in the cross fire, however no one was injured. Meanwhile, The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) strongly condemned the “life attempt” of Kesosul Christopher Ltu, Assistant General Secretary of NSF by unidentified arm cadres on June 25 at Lower Chandmari, Kohima without any rhyme or reason.
The Federation, took serious note of the act perpetrated on its official and considering that the firing incident occurred near a school, has resolved to submit a memorandum to leaders of the faction(s) involved in the shootout and also a representation to the state government. As a symbol of resentment against the shooting, the Federation has resolved to organize a public rally at Kohima on June 28, which will be followed by a total bandh in all Naga inhabited areas on July 1.
In this regard, NSF president Tongpang Ozukum and General Secretary Esther Rhakho in a press release appealed for all responsible citizens to extend support and co-operate with the Federation in addressing their “genuine cause.” The recent incident is a direct challenge to the students’ community; which cannot be ‘forgotten nor forgiven’ at any cost, therefore the Federation vows to react befittingly against individual, group or faction who has attempted on the life of a bonafide member of NSF, the release said.
The Angami Youth Organization in a press note by its President, Medo Yokha and its General Secretary, Rokoketou Sechu condemned the “assassination bid on the life” of Kesosül Christopher Ltu, Assistant General Secretary of NSF and also an active member of AYO. The AYO impressed upon all Youth bodies under it to be “prepared for any calls by the AYO in its pursuit for protecting the lives of Kohima citizens and in seeking justice against evil doers.”
AYO demands
1. The administrative machinery should book the culprits involved in the incident and hand them over to the organization on or before June 28.
2. The group/organization/party/village/family should own up to the responsibilities of the incident on or before June 28.
3. The administrative machinery should strictly enforce and apply the Cease-fire ground rules.
