DIMAPUR, OCT 27 (MExN): Even as the ongoing factional standoff between the two rival NSCNs in Zunheboto district continued, an all out effort was underway to halt offensive on both sides. It was reported that DC Zunheboto was in touch with both factions to avert more bloodshed. Additional sources also added that the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto requested the NSCN-IM to provide a safe passage to cadres of the NSCN-K who are reportedly inside Amiphoto colony, surrounded by about 200 rival cadres. However, it is reported that the NSCN-IM set a precondition that the rival cadres surrender their arms before a safe passage is given. The DC reportedly met NSCN (K) leaders on the ‘safe passage deal’. However no confirmation was received from the NSCN (K) at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the two rival factions exchanged insistent firing from morning till afternoon between South Point and DC Hill area. It was also reported that stray bullets into civilian areas were putting at stake lives of innocent citizens. It was also informed that Nagaland IGP has arrived at Zunheboto to take stock of the situation.
Anticipating an intensified fight, reinforcement from both the factions have reached Zunheboto, it was reported. All offices, shops and the only petrol pump at Zunheboto remained closed. It was also informed that vehicles plying between Zunheboto and Kohima, Dimapur were allowed to pass around 9:30 to 10 pm yesterday. Sources added that residents of Amiphoto colony have already left their residences while residents of South Point colony have started shifting to other colonies for refuge.
Meanwhile, with fierce fighting between the two NSCN factions continuing for two consecutive days, Zunheboto District administration today said that they may be compelled to use ‘force’ from tomorrow, if the cadres of both the factions refuse to budge from the town.
“IGP and other police officials are with me now; we are having a security coordination meeting. We are trying our best to find peaceful solution.
In case, if it is not possible we may pressurize them to leave tomorrow”, DC said, although, he said, using of ‘force’ doesn’t mean responding through arms or sending force.
Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner, after having a security coordination meeting with the top state police officials at Zunheboto also said that there had been heavy exchange of fire even today, however, there was no casualty or injuries from either groups, except for one NSCN-K cadre who was killed by his own comrade by mistake, he added.
However, at the time of filing of this report, the firing was reported to have halted.
