Kohima, July 19 (MExN): The Chokri Area Public Organisation (CAPO) has condemned the July 12 firing incident between the two NSCN factions at K Bawe village, and subsequently torture meted out to the village leaders by the NSCN-K cadres at Thipuzumi village. The village has termed the atrocities as unmindful, senseless and heartless acts against the well-being and safety of the public.
Recounting the details of the incident, a CAPO release said that on July 12, armed cadres of the NSCN-IM came to K Bawe village and fired upon the rival faction who were camping in the Village Council Community Guest House, located in the middle of the village. In spite of fervent appeals made by the villagers to desist from fighting in the heart of the village the clash took place, it stated.
Though, there was no report of casualty from either of the factions as well as from among the villagers, heavy exchange of firing ensued, unleashing ‘psychological terror’ on the mind of the public, the release lamented.
One woman, who was weaving in her courtyard, had a narrow escape when a stray bullet whizzed passed between her legs, though without hitting her, leaving her trauma stricken and terrified. The incident has cause a lasting fear on the mind of the people, the release further stated.
The public organization also went on to add that after the firing incident at K Bawe, the NSCN-K cadres led by its Captain Akheto Sumi came to neighbouring Thipuzumi village. On receiving the information, the village leaders accorded the NSCN-K cadres a warm welcome, keeping the rich tradition and culture of the village. However, in contrary, the NSCN-K cadres refused to reciprocate and Captain Akheto Sumi started yelling at the leaders, ordering his cadres to shoot at the Village Council Chairman and Youth President. Consequently, Chorhitso, Village Council Chairman, and one Vekhoto, Primary School teacher were brutally beaten with firewood, the release also said.
Not satisfied with the torture, the NSCN-K cadres also resorted to blank firing to threaten and intimidate the innocent villagers, and further insisting that the two village leaders be taken to another 'destiny.'
Condemning the incident in strongest terms, the CAPO said that such incident is unprecedented in the history of the Naga struggle, and reaffirmed their appealed to the underground leaders to take corrective action.
Stating that the all concern should not convert the areas into battlegrounds, the CAPO asserted firm belief that violence in any form will not help in achieving the common aspiration of the Nagas, but rather reverse the gains that have been made in the people led movement.
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