NSCN (K) says it acted in self defence
Gunmen shot dead one person inside a shop while the second was shot dead while attempting to flee in the heart of Dimapur city Monday at around 10 a.m.
Police basing on eyewitness accounts, disclosed that three assailants who reached the spot in a motorcycle frisked the two in front of a shop. Upon finding two demand notes, the three took both inside a cloth store in Murgi Patti and shot one of them. When the second attempted to flee, they also shot him dead from behind.
The incident caused fear and panic among public as shops immediately downed shutters. Police recovered two empty shells of 9mm and AK Riffles and one bullet head of 9mm near the site of the incident.
The two deceased were identified as “2nd Lt” Sheye Konyak of Tamkong village, under Tobu sub-division, Mon, and “Sgt Major” Wochamo Ezung, son of Ratsemo Ezung of Mekokla village, Wokha, and both the victims were reportedly under the GPRN/NSCN Phaipijang command. Both bodies were later handed over to the relatives.
GRPN/NSCN condemns
GPRN/NSCN, in a statement issued by its MIP expressed strong condemnation against the NSCN(K) for having “brutally murdered” its two Naga army men in “cold blood” in Murgi Patti Monday.
The MIP identified the deceased as “ 2nd Lieut” Wochemo Lotha ,son of Retsemo Lotha of Mekokla Village from Lotha Region and “ Sgt. Maj.” Shiyea Konyak, son of Vunlang from Wangshu village of Konyak Region. GPRN/NSCN said both unarmed men were shopping in the area when they attacked and killed by NSCN(K) with “sophisticated assault rifles in a highly populated area”.
It also paid tributes to the memory of the two for having laid down their lives “for the nation.” GPRN/NSCN also offered deep sympathies for the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed.
NSCN (K) claims responsibility
NSCN (K) has claimed responsibility for the killing of two GPRN/NSCN cadres on Monday.
Speaking to this reporter over phone, secretary MIP, NSCN (K) Sangso Mongzar, said the incident occurred when the Dimapur-based NSCN (K) boys had gone for some assignment in the morning.
During that period, he said some GPRN/NSCN boys overtook the NSCN (K) boys. He said the NSCN (K) boys sensed that the rivals calling their higher ups to apprehend after which the NSCN (K) boys shot both rival cadres dead.
The MIP secretary said it was unfortunate that killing among Naga brothers were rampant but maintained that Monday’s incident was an act of “self-defence” otherwise, the NSCN (K) boys would have been shot dead.
Sangso also claimed that on December 2 at around 2.30 a.m., rivals shot at the Christmas star set up inside the NSCN (K) Suruhuto designated camp while the NSCN (K) inmates were celebrating pre-Christmas
He further alleged that the 21 AR at Zunheboto had intentionally allowed the Khehoi campers to cause the incident.
Sangso also claimed that the AR came as close as 500 metres from the designated camp which he termed was a pure violation of the ceasefire ground rules.
DCCI, DNSU condemn killing
Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) have also strongly condemned Monday shooting incident at Dimapur.
In a press release, DCCI president Hokivi Chishi appealed to all the factions to stop killings among brothers and maintain peace and harmony during Christmas season.
Asserting Dimapur was a busy city where many commuters from within and outside the state arrive for shopping during this season, DCCI said such incident could create fear psychosis among the general public and the business community.
In a press release, DNSU president K.Mhachio Lotha and general secretary Kambuiga Rongmei expressed dismay over the factional fight, saying the incident occurred when citizens were gearing up for festive season.
DNSU also urged all factions not to make Dimapur a “battle zone” as people from all corners of the state were arriving for Christmas shopping.
Further, the students appealed to all faction to shun factional clashes and respect the sentiments of the people.
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