Cadres of NSCN factions leave Zunheboto town
KOHIMA, OCT 28 (MExN): After enduring a spate of terror, the harried public of Zunheboto town today finally resorted to storming and ‘chasing’ out cadres of the two NSCNs, from the town, particularly from Amiphoto colony where cadres were encamped against each other. The public reportedly resorted to stoning the NSCN fighters, and ‘took back’ bunkers in Amiphoto colony.
Reports said that thousands of Zunheboto public gathered at around 9:00 in the morning and proceeded to storm Amiphoto colony where about 200 cadres of the NSCN-IM had surrounded rival fighters. People from all walks of life, including women and children took part in ‘storming and stoning’ out the cadres. The ‘forced evacuation’ lasted till 4:00 pm it was informed adding that those from the NSCN-IM left towards Sukhalu village while the NSCN-K cadres proceeded south towards Asukhomi village.
Curiously, it is reported that the ‘storming’ was led by women folks and not by expected Sumi civil organizations like the Sumi Hoho. No Sumi public leaders, including the Sumi Hoho, were seen when the people gathered in the morning except a few GBs/DBs who later “vanished” when the public proceeded towards Amiphoto. “The public are not too happy about Sumi organization leaders not being present. They should have led us” said a source. Even while there are claims that cadres of both the NSCN factions left Zunheboto town from the pressure exerted by the district administration, police and security forces, it was alleged that they “appeared” only after the fracas calmed down.
It was also informed that before the public took to ‘storming’ the colony, leaders from both the factions were met with where assurances to leave were reportedly given. (As people gathered, cadres reportedly fired some shots to ‘deter’ the public, it was added). However, in spite of the commitment given by both the factions to leave in the morning, gun fight was reported to have gone on till 12:30 noon, wherein the evacuation was delayed. However, the firing ceased after 12:30 pm and only then the district administration and police could convince the cadres to leave the town. Dobashis and police dropped cadres of both the factions to the outskirts of the town, DC said.
Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, while expressing gratitude to the cadres for ‘respecting’ the call of the district administration and public, attributed the return of normalcy to the crucial role played by the public, especially women folks. Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner also said that considerable properties have been damaged and animals killed in the two days of factional clashes,
As public pressure mounted, at least 2 companies of IRB, 2 companies of Assam Rifles, Dobashi and police personnel had a tough time pressurizing cadres of both factions to leave the town. Meanwhile, the police man who was reported killed/missing yesterday in a gunfight is safe and sound. He said that he along with his wife was trapped in their house due to the gunfights. Two grenades were also lopped into his compound but fortunately, he escaped. Also all injured cadres have been admitted in the civil hospital and are reported to be out of danger.
Earlier, when NSCN-IM leaders were met with, they reportedly said they would leave if the NSCN-K leaves too. The leaders asked that they be treated “equally”. In the same vein, Brigadier Nikki of the NSCN-K is reported to have said that the public should treat both the factions “equally” and that he has no grudge and would leave respecting the public’s sentiments.
