Tizit, March 7 (MExN): The two warring NSCN faction engaged in a serious gunfight lasting about one and half an hour near Tizit local ground, where the 18th Konyak Students’ Union KSU sports meet is under way here today.
The tournament went off peacefully but at around 2 pm, when the third match was going on, the firing started between cadres of the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) cadres.
After much petition and appeals to both parties and even a visit by KSU and Konyak Union (KU) officials this very morning requesting them not to create fear and insecurity, both the factions disregarded the appeal and started the gunfight.
The firing took place just 100 meters away from the local ground where thousands of people had gathered to witness the match between the 44 A/C Phomching and 46 A/C Mon, sent the gathered people helter-skelter and creating a pandemonium in the ground. The match was abandoned.
Despite the long gunfight, no one was injured or killed. There were also no reports of casualties or injuries from both the factions. However, the house where the Tobu area players were camping was sprayed with bullets.
Personnel of the 37 Assam Rifles headed by Post Commander were also present at the function attending the sports meet. The AR personnel instructed the public to take cover, however, the firing stopped only after the intervention of a truckload of IRB jawans who arrived at the scene of the gun battle.
Angry public
The situation in Tizit town nearly went out of control with the angry public trying to take the law in their own hands during the NSCNs gun battle. Some of the civilians came out with weapons to fight the NSCN cadres. However the arrival of the IRB jawans restored order and the abandoned match was resumed after much deliberation that Konyaks must not bow under pressure and ‘evil design’ of the NSCN factions.
An emergency meeting including the ADC Tizit, commander 6 NAP, KSU, KU and all the presidents of KSU units will be held later tonight to discuss further course of action with regard to today’s incident.
Meanwhile the ENSF, KU, KSU, administration and all in general have condemned this ‘beastly acts’ of both the factions and called upon all Nagas to support the KSU in this connection.
It is also worth mentioning that the 18th KSU sports meet which began today at Tizit local ground was graced by Nyeiwang, Parlimentary Secretary, Department of Horticulture during the inaugural function as the chief guest. The parliamentary Secretary also donated Rs 50,000 to the KSU.
