NSCN (K) FINANCE SECY KILLED; CIVILIAN INJURED; 2 HELD
Three persons were killed including a senior NSCN (K) functionary and a civilian in an ‘ambush/operation’ carried out by security forces in Aghunato sub-division, Zunheboto on Monday early morning. During the operation another civilian sustained bullet injuries. The operation was reportedly carried out by 5 Assam Rifles and 12 Para commandos.
The deceased have been identified as NSCN (K) finance secretary, Lovito Tuccu son of Kheshito of Itovi village under Satakha and his bodyguard reportedly from the army wing (PAN) identified as Kihoto, a resident of Tukuliqa village under Ghathashi.
According to police sources, the civilian, reportedly the younger brother of L. Tuccu was also killed in the ambush.
The injured civilian has been identified as one Juvito Yeptho of Viyelho village under Aghunato subdivision. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, police sources said. The dead bodies, after completing all formalities, were handed over to the family members, police sources added. Soon after the incident, Zunheboto Police led by SDPO and CO 5 AR visited the spot to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, PRO IGAR (N) in a press note claimed that the security forces neutralized three hard core members of the NSCN (K) and apprehended two over ground workers. The NSCN (K) members were travelling in a Tata Sumo at the time of the incident. After the incident, security forces seized one AK-47 rifle with magazine, assorted ammunition, radio sets, military grade pouches etc., PRO stated.
Later, upon interrogating the apprehended person, the security forces were led to a farm house belonging to L. Tuccu where another over ground worker was apprehended with a 12 bore rifle along with large quantity of ammunition, PRO said.
PRO said that a labourer from Assam was also rescued from the farm house. He was abducted by L Tuccu from a truck owner in Kohima in February 2015, PRO added.
Narrating the incident, PRO said that the security team after receiving specific inputs launched a patrol in the Hoshepu village area. On reaching the spot, PRO said that the Tata sumo was asked to stop. However, the occupants fired at the security forces and in retaliation three NSCN (K) cadres were killed, PRO stated.
Security forces have been put on alert after receiving several inputs of infiltration by NSCN (K) cadres from across the Indo-Myanmar border to carry out nefarious activities and extortion, PRO said. NSCN (K) cadres equipped with bombs, rocket launchers and heavy weapons have infiltrated into Tuensang, Mon, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Phek, Kohima and Dimapur districts, PRO said.
Meanwhile, PRO appealed to the public to provide information of any suspicious movement of unknown people in their areas to the nearest Police Station or Assam Rifle unit for timely preventive action.