Tuensang bound bus shoot-out

Morung Express News
September 16

DIMAPUR: The Police in Nagaland will not be arresting ADC (J), Mokokchung unless the Assam Police requests so, according to Police administration sources. ADC (J) Khalong Ao fled the scene of the incident between Silonijan and Garambani in Assam after the officer’s two bodyguards killed a passenger, Peter Yimchunger, who was traveling on a Tuensang-bound bus from Dimapur on the night of September 15. 

A top Police official, on condition of anonymity, said that they (Nagaland Police authorities) were still yet to receive any intimidation or request from the Assam police in Bokajan, Assam. “It is a legal procedure that unless the crime was committed within the Nagaland jurisdiction, the law here cannot initiate action or arrest the officer”. The sources said that the “case was registered within the law of Assam” and added that a formal request was, however expected soon. It is also learnt that the ADC is currently in Dimapur after fleeing the scene of crime. 

Meanwhile the handyman of the bus is reported to have succumbed to his injuries after being severely assaulted by the bodyguards. Different versions abound regarding the exact circumstances that led to the killing of Peter Yimchunger, a church leader and a father of four. Quoting from an eyewitness account, a source said that the ADC’s Bolero (NL 10 4495) in full speed had repeatedly tried to overtake the bus from some distance. The Bolero then smashed into the rear of the bus when the latter halted and gave way for the oncoming vehicle to pass. Following the collision, the infuriated officer and his bodyguards, all of whom reportedly in an inebriated state, then boarded the bus and picked up an altercation with the driver and the passengers. In the course of the confrontation, one of the bodyguards inadvertently triggered a shot that hit the victim. It is also reported that the ADC, was also in a drunken state. Some sources however revealed that the officer is a teetotaler. The two erring bodyguards of the ADC (J) are presently being held under the custody of the Bokajan Police.