DIMAPUR, JANUARY 21 (MExN): The NSCN/GPRN Khaplang has claimed responsibility for the attack on GPRN/NSCN ‘ato kilonser’ Kitovi Zhimomi’s residence at Amphoto, Zunheboto on Saturday leading to exchange of gun fire between the two sides.
An NSCN (K) functionary said, “We located one outpost at Amphoto where some 5-6 cadres were holding there as an outpost, so our boys launched a point blank attack at around 1 am today (Saturday).” There was retaliation from GPRN/NSCN cadres and the exchange of fire took place for around 2-3 hours. No casualty or injury was reported till the time of filing this report. The NSCN (K) functionary said there could be some 2-3 persons injured from the GPRN/NSCN side but added the report was unconfirmed.
A GPRN/NSCN official said they had prior intelligence reports that the NSCN (K) was planning an attack on the residence of its ‘ato kilonser.’ “They crept up but our men were ready forcing them to retreat. It is the residence of our ato kilonser and we cannot abandon that,” he said. He said that the GPRN/NSCN would retaliate if the NSCN (K) continued to attack them in such manner. He said such action was “highly provocative” which should not be repeated.
Further, he said the GPRN/NSCN was ready to do all it can to adhere to the ceasefire ground rules but that the Government of India should also ensure that other groups strictly follow the same.
GPRN/NSCN cadre injured
One GPRN/NSCN cadre, Hokugha of Melahu village was shot and seriously injured at Alahuto area Zunheboto on Saturday afternoon. He was hit from the back and the bullets came out through the front, reports said. The injured who was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital Zunheboto is a “Raje Peyu” and an aide of former CAO GPRN/NSCN Zunheboto, Huvito. NSCN (K) said Hokugha is a “tax collector.”
GPRN/NSCN said Hokugha was at home when NSCN (K) men numbering four came in a Maruti car and opened fire at him with AK Rifles. GPRN/NSCN warned that the NSCN (K) man visiting homes and shooting its members randomly would be counterproductive.
NSCN (K) town commander and son injured in ambush
Dimapur, January 21 (MExN): The Kohima “town commander” of the NSCN Khaplang was injured in an ambush by suspected cadres of the GPRN/NSCN at about 7:30 pm this evening at Forest Colony, in Kohima. His son who was with him sustained minor bullet injuries. According to sources, the town commander was coming out of the house of a “Kilonser” of the NSCN Khaplang, who resides in Forest Colony. He was reversing his Alto car when cadres of the rival group started firing on him. His daughter and son were with him inside the car, it is reported. On hearing gunfire, some cadres of the NSCN Khaplang who were inside the Kilonser’s house rushed out and started firing back. The exchange of fire lasted for about 10 minutes, sources informed. The town commander was shot in his left wrist and forehead while his son was also shot in the wrist. His daughter, however, managed to escape without injuries, sources informed.
