NSCN (K) says it ‘repulsed’ offensive and inflicted casualties on para commandos; Indian army terms report as “not true”
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 19
A reported shootout between the NSCN (K) and Indian Army soldiers along the Indo-Myanmar border gave rise to conflicting reports today. According to a police report from Mon, a 3-hour long gun battle took place in the wee hours of August 19 when Para Commandos of the Indian Army reportedly attacked an NSCN (K) camp on the Myanmar side of the international border.
The gun battle, as per the report, occurred between Chenmoho village in Mon district and Thorloi, which is in Myanmar. The place of the shootout was stated to be approximately 2 km from Border Pillar 151 at Chenmoho, the police report said, while adding that there was no report of casualty till late evening.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (K) stated the shootout was the result of a targeted offensive by the 12 Para Commandos. The MIP of the NSCN (K) in a statement to the media claimed that the attack was “thwarted and repulsed” and in the course of the shootout, the commandos suffered 5-6 casualties.
It said that the advancing commandos were “pinned down helplessly and the rest ran” and tried to regroup for a counter-attack but were pursued and forced to retreat.
As per the statement, the exchange of gunfire took place “one and half hour walking distance into Naga Myanmar area after crossing Thorloi the first border village well inside Naga Myanmar.” It started around 3:30 am and lasted till 6:00 am.
Meanwhile, Army sources when contacted denied the involvement of Para Commandos in the reported gun battle. While not denying the occurrence of the exchange of fire, the sources termed the reports as “not true” and stated that inquiry was on to verify the reports.
A unit of the 9 Bihar Regiment stationed at Chenmoho was also reported to have been unaware of the parties involved in the shootout. Police sources from Mon further said that the Army unit denied the involvement of its soldiers.
