Kohima, October 26 (MExN): Heavy fighting between the two warring NSCN groups was reported from Zunheboto town, amidst conflicting report over the number of casualties.
While NSCN-K sources claimed to have killed three cadres of the rival group, NSCN-IM said only one of its cadre identified as Corpl. Abel was killed in today clash.
NSCN-IM source further claimed that they have surrounded the residence of some rival leaders and has asked them to surrender before them. NSCN-IM also claimed to have captured Zunheboto town following today’s fighting.
However, Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto said that the casualty if any from either group could not be ascertained as the police could not go to the place of the clash.
The DC said that the clash started at around 9:30 am and continued till 6:00 PM. He also said that the clash took place when heavily armed NSCN-IM cadres attacked the rival camp which has been there for the last 4-5 months under the command of Brig Nikki.
“We thought of going to the clash site with Red Cross uniform, but some of us don’t want to take risk so we abandoned the idea”, DC said.
In spite of the fervent appeal made by the public, churches, GBs and Dobashi, both the groups are still determined for an armed show down, the DC said, adding that the clash might occur again anytime.
It was also learnt that the NSCN-IM cadres resorted to road blockade during the clash, so as to restrain the movement of rival cadres. The public of the area are caught in a most helpless situation as both the groups refused to heed to even the order issued by the DC and call of the people to move out of the town.
Sources also said that the Assam Rifle has ceased to patrol the area on the instruction of the IGAR north. It is learnt that IGAR (N) has instructed the AR jawans to remain confined to their camp and not to meddle in the ongoing factional feud.
Meanwhile, the residents of Amiphoto colony have fled to other places to take shelter owing to fear and tension. Today’s clash also affected vehicular movement, particularly vehicles bound for Satakha, Kohima and Dimapur.
