DIMAPUR, JAN 18 (MExN): Ruling out its involvement in yesterday’s Kohima firing where a woman was injured by a stray bullet, the NSCN-IM today issued a clarification saying that “the Naga Army had never attacked” NSCN-K cadres. Dubbing earlier news items – which reported the NSCN-IM’s involvement – as “entirely false and based on wrong assumptions,” the clarification said, “It is learnt that the Khaplang cadres had an internal clash that culminated into indiscriminate firing” leading to the injury of the woman. “This firing led to the subsequent arrest by the Kohima Police of 6 of their (Khaplang) cadres who were out to vitiate the atmosphere, and 3 weapons belonging to them were also seized.” Condemning the act, the NSCN (I-M) asserted, “The culprits should be strictly dealt with to avert further such incidents.”
Replying to this, NSCN (K) Supervisor for UT-1, Akato Chophi, said the statement of the NSCN (I-M) was “completely wrong” and that such an allegation cannot be believed by the people. “Why should my boys fire at each other?” he questioned. Akato further said the NSCN (I-M) should not deny their actions but instead take ownership for their deeds. He further said that though he is for defensive action, if compelled, he would have to go on the offensive.
