One NSCN (K) cadre injured in shooting
DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (MExN): One NSCK (K) cadre was injured at a shooting incident near Centre Point, in the heart of Zunheboto town at around 11:00 am today. Police sources informed that at least two shots were fired upon by an unidentified number of assailants. According to sources, the injured cadre whose name could not be ascertained is reportedly the second in-charge of NSCN (K) town command and hails from Tichipami village. The injured was shot in his right arm. It was informed that the injured was taken to the Y Rochill hospital in Zunheboto and that he was discharged after treatment the same day.
Meanwhile, the Sumi Hoho today sent out a loud and clear message to the factional cadres that “Zunheboto is not a battle field.” Sumi Hoho President, Hovishe Arkha and Secretary, Vihuto Asumi in a press note stated that in the past few weeks, Zunheboto has witnessed “several instances of factional violence between the cadres of NSCN (K) and GPRN/NSCN endangering the lives of the innocent public.” It added that in spite of repeated appeals and approaches by the Sumi Hoho and the frontal Organizations to factional leaders to refrain from factional violence, “the appeal is short lived.”
It said that firing in the midst of public inhabited areas indiscriminately “is becoming a recent fashion, which is strongly condemned.” The Sumi Hoho conveyed that “if the voice of the people is not heard, the time may come when the public fury might be inevitable.” It therefore urged upon the factional leaders to maintain maximum restraint.
Home Minister condemns
Nagaland Home Minister, G Kaito Aye condemned the firing incident at Zunheboto town today.
In a press note, the Home Minister stated, “In spite of the serious efforts on the part of the peace loving citizen to maintain peace in the state, it is noted with great pain and anguish that inter-factional clashes continue to take place.” He said that “Killing and firings with loss amongst our own brothers will not serve any purpose.” The Home Minister further said that these incidents would not help in furthering the cause of the Naga political issue. He appealed for all factions to desist from creating panic and disturbing the peace in society. “We need to rise above selfish motives to achieve common Naga political goal,” he added.
