DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 7 (MExN): Giving account of the circumstances under which four persons including a cadre of the NSCN-IM, a former member of the NSCN-IM, a student leader and a civilian were killed at AG colony Kohima on October 3, the NSCN (K) stated that it had been a case of defensive firing that resulted in the heavy casualty and injury.
While acknowledging the grievous pain and anguish caused to the victim’s families and community, the NSCN (K) stated that it felt imperative on their part to bring to light the background and nature of circumstance preceding the incident. The CCM of Chakhesang Region, Thupuvezo, highlighted that 2nd Lt. Avo, the then Sgt.Mj. in their formation had defected to the NSCN (IM) with AK assault rifle and is said to have raided the NSCN (K)’s camps in and around Phek district several times. It went on to add that the defected member had also been instrumental in harassing their sympathizers and innocent civilians since the time of his defection till his demise. Taking strong exception of his anti-national and anti-NSCN, pursuit, the NSCN (K) stated that a “Shoot at sight” order was announced and accordingly every command/units were alerted
With regards to the “fateful day”, the it justified that a combined team of NSCN (K) and FGN (non-accordist), on receiving intelligence report, had attempted “to arrest them to clarify their identities and therefore halted the jeep they were traveling”. However, instead of complying, they are said to have “tried to overrun our cadres with their jeep and even shoved a pistol that mis-fired”. In such extremity of the situation, NSCN (K) stated that the cadres were compelled to resort to defensive firing that resulted heavy casualty and injury. The NSCN (K) further said that their intention could be clarified from the survivor, who had been apprehended alive but after ascertaining his identity he was given decent treatment and was kept in the factions protective custody till the arrival of police personnel.
The NSCN (K) voiced their belief that the incident could have been averted had the victims heeded to their instruction, at the same time thought it “highly questionable” that as civilians they were caught in “tandem with targeted and proclaimed offender who were on extortion spree”. Nevertheless, the NSCN (K) appealed to the Chakhesang Community, CSU, Kikruma Village and victimized families to understand the circumstance since the action was “neither pre-mediated nor intentional”.
