Dimapur, Oct 28 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has clarified on the Zunheboto developments following a standoff with its rivals. According to MIP Secretary Shaheni, NSCN-K “renegades” were kept at siege for sometime to “convince them that they as Naga brothers are being misled and on the wrong path and to realize their futility in confronting the GPRN and on humanitarian grounds that they not be victimized by adversaries’ policies to surrender in good spirits”. They were chocked on their life line without even the necessary amenities of survival, stated the NSCN-IM. So in order to avoid “excess human toll” in the confrontation, the NSCN-IM ‘though could have pounded the NSCN-K camp,’ gave an opportunity to them to understand the tolerance of the Naga Army and to spare their lives.
“Following the circumstances and situation developed through this confrontation, the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto appealed to the GPRN, Naga Army to give safe passage to the Khaplang cadres to which it was consented.
But to our dismay, the Khaplang followers despite being cornered without any other options but to either die or surrender rejected this offer and so they were in the process of being accosted with the reciprocation” the MIP stated. However, in the final moments Sumi Hoho members, public leaders etc intervened and requested the Naga Army field operation commander to spare the NSCN-K cadres on humanitarian grounds to which it was consented. After the assurance and assertion from the public not to shelter or host them in their midst in future, the NSCN-K cadres were allowed to leave at 4:30 pm and permitting them a safe passage up to Sotomi village.
Later on, the NSCN-IM cordoned the camp site of the NSCN-K while one body of a fallen rival cadre and four injured personnel were retrieved by the police in their custody. “It is also to be noted that the assurance given by the concerned that led to the rescue of the obstinate Khaplang cadres that in future any contravention of the given word to avoid hosting of such anti-social elements at hearths, especially in heavily populated areas, the NSCN/GPRN will be impelled to take necessary action on its failure upon the concerned in the future” the NSCN-IM cautioned. It also cautioned Sotomi village against ‘hosting’ the NSCN-K as the village was only permitted for the boundary of escorted evacuation/safe passage guided by the public. Otherwise, the NSCN-IM will intervene ‘from flushing them out’ from all inhabited areas throughout Nagalim, it added.
