DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (MExN): Even as news filtered in on the arrival of the NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah to Nagaland tomorrow, heavy exchange of fire between rival factions of the NSCN at Sanghou Village, located about half kilometer away from Athibung, was reported to have occurred this morning between 9:30 and 12 noon.
NSCN (I-M) cadres, numbering around 60-70, are said to have attacked NSCN (K) cadres, roughly to the measure of 80-100 cadres, who were stationed at the village. NSCN (K) sources said their rivals fired 16 rocket launchers while they retaliated with 6 rocket launchers. In the ensuing battle, according to NSCN (K) sources, one from the NSCN (I-M) was killed while one of their men was grievously injured. Three from the NSCN (I-M), who were also reportedly injured, were taken to Hebron, the NSCN (K) added.
However, according to the NSCN (I-M), none of their men suffered casualties or injuries. According to an NSCN (I-M) source, both warring sides gathered at Athibung Public Ground for a ‘final showdown’ but due to intervention of the Assam Rifles and IRB posted at Athibung, both sides had to retreat.
Earlier in the day Reuters News Agency reported that cadres of the NSCN (K) had attacked the main camp of the NSCN I-M, near Dimapur town in Nagaland state. Quoting a senior intelligence officer from Kohima, the report stated that NSCN I-M Chairman Issac Chishi Swu and his wife, who were in “Camp Hebron” were both safe.
One NSCN (K) cadre was reported to have been killed in the ensuing gun battle. “I have lost one of my boys in the firing which is still going on. Casualties on the other side will be higher,” Khughalu Mulatonu, a senior NSCN-K leader, told Reuters by phone from his hideout.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (I-M) has refuted reports that exchange of gunfire occurred at Hebron and termed it as ‘rumours’ and ‘propaganda.’ Police, when contacted, said no casualties had been recorded in the factional feud.
Meanwhile, the Nkio Students’ Union has appealed to both factions to restrain from violence in view of their upcoming conference scheduled to be held from January 15-18. To reach the place of the conference, one has to pass Athibung. The student body also appealed for cessation of firing saying that delegates have also been invited to attend the conference.
