Gun battle between Naga groups erupt

Despite news of some Naga political groups coming together to form a Naga National Government, the air of hope was shaken today as cadres of the NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM) engaged in heavy gun battle at Akhoya village jurisdiction (some 60km from Mokokchung town) that lasted for nearly two hours Saturday morning. There are no reports of any casualties from either side.

Additional SP of Mokokchung, Yarenthung Ngullie, said the exchange of fire happened some 3km away from Akhoya village, which falls under Changtongya Police Station. The firing reportedly started from 6:30am and lasted till 8:30am. On hearing the gunfight, OC Changtongya PS, SDO (Civil) Changtongya and the public, numbering around 500, went near the site of the incident and “chased away the cadres to opposite sides,” said the Addl SP.

He disclosed, as per reports, the NSCN (K) cadres were “passing through” the jungle and were halting in a place when the NSCN (IM) cadres got wind of their movement and attacked them. He suggested that the NSCN (K) cadres might be moving to the neighbouring districts.

The Addl SP said that the situation is under control. A company of Tripura State Rifles, who have been deployed for election duty, along with NAP (IR) and Changtongya PS personnel are maintaining strict vigil and conducting frisking and checking in the area, said the Addl SP.

Ao Senden condemns
Officials of the Ao Senden visited Akhoya village today and interacted with citizens regarding the gunfight in the area. The Ao Senden officials were led by their president, Prof Sangyu Yaden.

While strongly condemning the gunfight, Prof Sangyu Yaden maintained that such “factional fights” are detrimental to the peace process and reconciliation efforts, especially at a time when all Naga people are crying for peace and reconciliation.

General Secretary, Ao Senden, Supong Longchar questioned why such “factional fights” have become frequent during election. Prof Sangyu, raising a similar query, asked why the factions remain “dormant” most of the year and become active during the Indian election process.

Both the Ao Senden President and General Secretary asserted that the Ao community is viewing such factional fights with all seriousness, and cautioned that such factional fights which create tensions will not be allowed in the Ao areas.

Meanwhile, the Ao Senden officials who returned after visiting Akhoya village expressed surprise that there were no security personnel in the vicinity of the area. “We didn’t meet a single police personnel or administrative official. That’s surprising because it’s a very sensitive matter, especially since this is election time. Even when there is a bus accident or a burning down of a house, there are police or administrative personnel around, but today, there were none,” said an Ao Senden official while hinting a lapse in the security arrangement before or after the gunfight. The Ao Senden officials also disclosed that the situation was under control in the area.
The officials of the apex Ao students’ organization, AKM, also visited the site. They could not be contacted for comments.