Morung Express News
Kohima/Dimapur | May 24
At least four NSCN-IM cadres were killed during the last 24 hours in separate incidents following stepped up factional clashes across Nagaland. Sources said 2 NSCN-IM cadres were killed by rival faction NSCN (K) at Satakha under Zunheboto sub-division today during a pre-dawn encounter (4:00 am) while another was killed at Kuthur village under Tuensang district yesterday. Reports said an NSCN-IM cadre was also injured at Athibung today.
Meanwhile, in an incident speculated to be in reprisal for the killing of NSCN (K) Kilonser Ngampan in Mon town recently, Leacy of the NSCN (IM) Zunheboto District, Sukhaho Rotoka was shot dead early this morning by cadres suspected to be from the rival faction, at his residence at around 4:00am at Ambhoto colony in Zunheboto town, reports reaching here said.
According to sources, the NSCN (IM) Leacy Sukhaho Rotoka was called out of his house early morning by some persons suspected to be from the rival faction and shot dead about 400 meters away from his residence. Following the killing of the Leacy, cadres of both factions—the NSCN (IM) stationed at Ambhoto Colony as well as fighters from the NSCN (K)—exchanged fire leading to a volatile situation in the Town. No further casualties, if any, from both sides have been reported. It was informed that every shop and business establishment remained closed while the public, fearing collateral fatalities, remained indoors since morning.
Meanwhile, strongly reacting to the factional clash, the public of the area led by the Sumi Totimi Hoho (Sumi Women Hoho) of the Ambhuto unit and the Ambhoto Elders Council (AEC) took out a protest procession expressing their disapproval and condemnation for the killing, factional fights as well as for fighting in public areas. The procession which was held in the afternoon saw strong expressions of resentment by the public at the clashes. The people demanded that both warring factions of the NSCN move out of the area immediately and that no such killings be committed further. According to sources the frustrated public is ready to “take up even Daos (Naga Machete) and spears” to fight off the warring factions from public areas.
Secretary of the Ambhoto Elders Council G Awomi, expressing the general sentiments of the aggrieved public cautioned that “if there is anymore firing, the public will react to it even by taking up Daos and spears.” It was also strongly “recommended” that if the factions don’t move out from the public areas, the people would react. Various organizations including the STH and the AEC have extended their condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased NSCN (IM) Leacy.
The situation is reported to be extremely tense in the respective areas following the fratricidal killings today.
