Dimapur, January 19 (MExN): The uneasy standoff for the control of Athibung designated camp between the NSCN (Khaplang) and GPRN/NSCN today broke out in violence with the latter launching an attack on the camp on Thursday. The camp was reportedly taken over by the NSCN (Khaplang) since Sunday, January 15.
According to official sources, the exchange of fire between the two groups started around 8:45 AM and lasted till 4 PM. However, there was no report of any casualty from either side. When contacted, NSCN (K) sources said rival GPRN/NSCN cadres advanced towards the designated camp and both sides started exchanging fire.
“There is no casualty from our side, but we think there is casualty from the rival side as we heard screams and groans from their side when we fired A1 and 2 inch mortars. Some of them (GPRN/NSCN) cadres came as near as within firing range of AK series rifles,” NSCN (K) sources explained.
The source said it “confirmed that the Assam Rifle is conniving with Khehoi and attempting to choke off inmates of Athibung camp.” It asserted that while Khehoi cadres are being provided a ‘protected base’ at Athibung town, facilitating free movement and logistical support by the Assam Rifles, the “people’s army cadres” are “not even allowed to acquire basic amenities including urgent medical necessities.” The “GoI may therefore intervene immediately and stop double standard tactics of AR,” the source said.
According to some GPRN/NSCN sources one cadre of the NSCN (K) was shot dead but the reports could not be confirmed. Both sides claimed that they had injured around 2-3 cadres of the rival group. The GPRN/NSCN MIP said “We are about to enter the bunkers and reoccupy the camp but Assam Rifles are trying to make safe passage for the K boys.” It said that the AR was “protecting and defending the NSCN (K)” but “since that is our camp, we will take it back.”
With regard to the two GPRN/NSCN cadres who were reportedly kept under “house arrest” at Athibung camp, NSCN (K) sources has said the group would not be releasing them “unless some Sumi frontal organizations come and witness the releasing programme.” Family members were allowed to meet the two detainees and reassured of their “safe and sound” condition, it was informed.
Meanwhile, officials of the Peren district administration said the situation in Athibung area in Peren district remains tense following clashes between the two factions since last Sunday. An official, on condition of anonymity, said that a platoon of the IRB (NAP) has been deployed in Athibung to control the situation but confessed that at least a full command of the IRB was needed to instill a sense of security in the area.
The official also said two senior members of the ceasefire supervisory board (CFSB) have visited Athibung Thursday afternoon to take stock of the situation. “We feel for the local people out here as most of them depend on farming and jungle products for their daily income. However, with the present tense situation, the villagers of Athibung area cannot venture out due to fear of clash between the two underground groups,” a district administration official said. The official added that the presence of state police forces will instill a sense of security in the area.
Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland today termed the incident as ‘unfortunate’ and has appealed both the groups to maintain maximum caution “taking into account the presence of local populace who have been bearing the horror for the past many days.” It stated that “the situation has snowballed into a major catastrophe where people of the District including women and children face danger even while inside their homes, the ZB stated adding that ‘as Christians and as brothers, we must forgive and forget; bloodshed and killing is not the answer for we yearn for Peace not War.”
In a separate appeal, several Kuki organizations appealed to leaders of the NSCN/GPRN Khaplang and the GPRN/NSCN (Kholi-Kitovi) not to shed anymore blood and to be cautious of the civilian populace. In a press statement issued by the Kuki Inpi Secretary of Information and Publicity, it was stated that “On the 17th January, the Kuki INpi Nagaland, Kuki Mothers' Association Nagaland, Kuki Students' Organisation Nagaland, Kuki Village Chiefs (GBs) Union, Town Committee, Public leaders and the SDO (C) had a meeting in Ahthibung Town to discuss the present tensed situation at Ahthibung Designated Camp.” The statement informed that “The members present in the meeting jointly makes this appeal to both the NSCN factions to be cautious of the civilians populace. Both factions are requested not to shed anymore blood in the land.” It further stated that the meeting appealed “to the concerned authority to solve the present tensed situation from the highest level at the earliest. Keeping in mind that the location of the designated camp, where tension is high, is very close to the civilian populated area.”
