DIMAPUR, AUGUST 20 (MExN): Defense Kilonser of the NSCN (R), Khekato Kinny was injured today in a shooting incident at his residence in Dimapur.
According to the police, the incident occurred at around 5:00pm, when a group of eight or nine people arrived at the Defense Kilonser’s residence in Thilixu Village and started shooting. There was reportedly a brief exchange of fire during which Kinny, who is also the NSCN (R) UT 1 Supervisor, sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He was stated to be in a stable condition.
Police added that a case has been registered and investigation is on.
Meanwhile a press release issued by the MIP of the NSCN (R) termed the incident as an “assassination bid” and accused the NSCN (IM) of carrying out the act. It alleged that “the NSCN (IM) led by one Col Khehoto came with his boys at around 5:00pm on August 20 and blindly fired without taking any regards and exception that Khekato was with his family and children.”
The NSCN (R) questioned as to “what was the reason behind the offensive action, especially at the time when Nagas were yearning for peace and trying to hammer out political solution with the Government of India.”
“The NSCN is also well equipped to be defensive and will go to any extent to thwart any threat directed towards us, but is restraining to the most possible extent due to Naga people's call for peace,” it added.
WSH calls for peace
The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) meanwhile condemned the recent acts of violence and called for peace.
The WSH said that such acts only “show our narrow vision and belittles our own sacred cause.” A press release from the WSH asked the Sumi community in particular to shun all forms of violence and maintain peace now and in times to come.
“Nobody can bring peace to us but by us only and peace comes first only from within,” it stated, while urging all to “maintain peace in these decisive times and shun all form of violence.” Gun culture, it cautioned, “will only create more divisions and hatred amongst us.”
