DIMAPUR, DEC 30 (MExN): Two armed cadres of the NSCN (IM) forcibly entered the residence of Rev. K Luruo, Secretary of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) and physically assaulted him. The incident occurred at 2 pm today, it was informed as per a press note issued by Kedongulo Mero, Mission Secretary of the CBCC. The NSCN (IM) cadres reportedly asked for the keys to the CBCC Mission Compound main gate, which was closed for the seasons’ holidays. When Rev. Luruo approached them, the cadres, without any provocation assaulted the reverend and threatened to shoot him along with his family members. As a result of the assault, Reverend Luruo suffered injury on his left elbow. Further, when family members intervened, the NSCN (IM) cadres threatened to ‘finish them’ off before midnight.
In view of this unfortunate incident, the CBCC had an emergency meeting and resolved to condemn the barbaric act and asked the state government to provide necessary security to Rev. K. Luruo, his family and the whole of mission compound. The CBCC also asked NGOs and Churches to come out against the act.
Meanwhile when contacted, NSCN (IM) Ceasefire Monitoring Cell Convener Brig. Phungting informed that the two NSCN (IM) cadres who assaulted the church leader have been arrested for interrogation. He assured that action against the two would be taken after ‘enquiry’. “I heard some incident take place and the persons (the cadres involved) are arrested for interrogation. A proper enquiry will be conducted after which action will definitely be taken according to rules and regulations” Brig. Phungting assured. To the query if any contact has been made with the church council concerned, he said none till yet but further details would be taken first in regard to the assault of the reverend and action would be decided upon.
