Factional killings in Dimapur continue unabated when two NSCN (I-M) activists were killed while one NSCN(K) activist and two other civilians injured in separate incidents on Tuesday.
One NSCN(I-M) activist was shot dead between Holy cross and Clock Tower junction at around 12:15 p.m. The incident spread panic when suspected ‘GRPN/NSCN’ activists chased three NSCN (I-M) members moving around the place. One who was killed in Circular Road, between Clock Tower junction and Holy Cross but the other two fled to safety . The deceased was later identified as Ozungkokba, of Khensa village whose body bore four bullet wounds. Police said the deceased was a member of the NSCN(I-M) chaplee ministry. Police found two identity cards from the body. One identity card identified the deceased as primary teacher, GPS Changtongyimsen while the other identity card declared the deceased as a student of Fazal Ali college.
In another incident at 5th mile, Sugar mill village , one NSCN (I-M) activist was killed at around 6:30 p.m. The deceased was later identified as ‘ss leiut’ Longrei Tangkhul. Police said as per inquiry, the shooting took place in a house belonging to one Pilhoshe Sumi where the deceased was taking shelter. Police said one NSCN(K) activist identified as ‘ss lieut’ Hokugha of A/Saghemi village sustained injury on his hips while the couple who have been hospitalsed- Pilhoshe sustained injury on the leg and his wife on one of her fingers.
Meanwhile, in another incident that took place earlier at around 2.30 p.m. at Ghokuto village some 5 km from Khehoi camp cadres of the NSCN(K) and NSCN(I-M) exchanged weapons fire after some NSCN (K) activists who had gone to the village were attacked by the rival faction.
Police said there were no reports of any casualties. SP Dimapur Liremo Lotha, briefing the media persons said the district administration and police led by ADC Niuland and SDPO who rushed to the spot had a meeting with the village council and GBs had asked the faction to vacate the village. He said the NSCN (K) had vacated the village while some NSCN (I-M) cadres were still hovering but have been asked to vacate the village.
‘GRPN/NSCN” claims 5 killed
Meanwhile, the ‘GPRN/NSCN’ in a statements issued by its military spokesman, claimed that it had shot dead five activists of the rival NSCN(-M)in separate incidents in and around Dimapur on Tuesday.
According to a late night report, a top functionary of the ‘GPRN/NSCN’ identified as ‘Lt Col’ Kito Sangtam was reportedly shot dead at Naginimora. Further details were awaited at the time of filing this report.