Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 18
One person was killed in a suspected shootout between cadres of the GPRN/NSCN and the NSCN-K (Niki group) in Dimapur on the night of October 17.
The causes and reasons that resulted in the shootout remained vague but as per official sources, the incident happened near Khehoi at around midnight. The sources said that four cadres of the NSCN-K (Niki group), reportedly got into an altercation with cadres of the GPRN/NSCN, resulting in a firefight.
How it happened was unclear, however.
In the subsequent firefight, one cadre of the NSCN-K (Niki group), identified by the police as Additional Secretary, Atoka Kinimi succumbed to gunshot wounds. One was captured/detained by the rival group and two others escaped.
Of the two who escaped, one was reportedly in police custody, while the whereabouts of the other remained unknown.
The police declined to comment on the details of the case citing the sensitive nature of the incident. “Don't want to go into the details till the investigation is over,” stated a Dimapur police official when asked for details.
The police official said that the one who was in its custody was “rescued” by police personnel, who responded to the situation.
It was further informed that the funeral of the deceased victim was held on Monday in Dimapur.
Meanwhile, the NSCN-K (Niki group) issued a press statement, mourning the death of one of its cadre.
“Late Atoka joined national service in the year 2007. Having dedicated his life to the cause of the Naga people, he never faltered in his determination and selflessly served the nation till his last breath. His bravery and supreme sacrifice made by him shall be recorded in the annals of Naga history,” it stated.
It further said that in his death, “Nagas have lost a brave and energetic Naga nationalist and a void created by his demise will be hard to fill for a long time to come.” It further extended condolences to the bereaved family.
In another statement, the NSCN-K (Niki group) alleged that “from inception, the formation of GPRN/NSCN was and is still based on ceasefire perks and benefits.”
It referred to incidents such as the killing of Ghukato Assumi, the then GPRN Secretary of NSCN/GPRN in Zunheboto town; the killing of Major Toishe of NSCN (IM) in Dimapur.
“NNPGs have been making a hue and cry, claiming that the negotiations are over, even before NSCN/GPRN revived it's ceasefire agreement but ever since, we revived the ceasefire agreement, the NNPGs' have somehow started to believe that NSCN/GPRN can grant them solution by brutally gunning down our Additional Secretary, Atoka Kinimi and also spreading malicious propaganda of our government to achieve their solution,” the statement added.
The NSCN-K (Niki group) questioned the NNPGs “if they can come up with constructive suggestions rather than destructive criticisms for strengthening the Naga political talks.”
“NSCN/GPRN decided to give peace a chance, heeding to the call of Nagas to end bloodshed, Therefore, NSCN/GPRN leaves it to the wisdom of the Naga people to introspect profoundly on the events that have transpired,” it stated.
The statement meanwhile reaffirmed its “stand for peace” and stated that “Naga unity and Nagas' aspirations towards an inclusive and amicable political solution are our ideology and guiding principle.”
Sümi Hoho condemns; urges all NPGs to refrain
Taking strong exception to the incident, the Sümi Hoho on Monday issued a statement urging upon all the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) to refrain from creating situations that are detrimental to the peace process and is against the people’s desires and wishes.
In a press release, Sümi Hoho President Nikheto Jimomi and Genral Secretary Dr Vihuto Asumi condemned functionaries of the various NPGs “who keep defecting from one group to the other, thereby creating unnecessary misunderstandings among the Naga Political groups.” Such kinds of situation is uncalled for and condemnable, especially at a time when every section of the Nagas are eagerly yearning and anticipating a peaceful solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political issue, the release stated.
“It is high time that the Naga Political groups heed to the call of the people for peace and early solution,” it added.
