NSCN (K) says cadres were on ‘reconnaissance mission’

NSCN (K) has claimed that its “Naga Army” was despatched on a “reconnaissance mission” on May 17 when they were waylaid by “Indian Armies” some 30-40 kilometres from Pangsha International Trade Centre (ITC) at around 5 a.m.
Talking to Nagaland Post, NSCN (K) MIP informed that the encounter lasted for more than one hour. The source said in the  exchange of fire one of its cadre was “slightly injured”.
NSCN (K) also claimed that it has learnt that  an “intelligence input” was provided to “Indian Army” by a local informant of the area.
The NSCN(K) had abrogated the 14-year old cease fire with the government of India on March 27. Just a day before abrogating the cease fire, NSCN(K) on March 26   fired at a group of 19 AR jawans in civvies, who were waiting for a bus near Indira Gandhi  Stadium, injuring four.
On April 25, a lone NSCN(K) gunman fired at a patrol party of the 19 Assam Rifles near Traffic Island Kohima killing one jawan.
On May 3, in a major attack, NSCN(K) killed eight jawans, seven from the 23 Assam Rifles including one from the 164 TA (Naga) Battalion near Changlangshu in Mon district.
Also in a significant move, a new alliance of north east militants who are not in cease fire with the government of India, formed the United National Liberation Front of West South East Asia (UNLFWSEA) comprising of NSCN(K), ULFA (Paresh Barua faction), NDFB (Songbijit) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF) of Manipur.
Three other groups in Manipur’s underground platform CorCom – PREPAK, KYKL and KCP – have reportedly also joined the front.
NSCN (K) supremo S.S. Khaplang is the chairman of the newly formed UNLFWESEA.
Though Khaplang will be the nominal head of the new grouping, a key role will be played by Paresh Baruah, ULFA chief, who has consistently opposed peace talks with the Central government, the sources said.