KOHIMA, Oct 3 (MExN): Three persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Phek district and Kohima. According to reports, one NSCN-IM and an FGN cadre were killed in a factional clash that took place a location between K. Basa and Chisazumi village of Phek district today. Police source said that the clash between the combine force of FGN and NSCN-K against the NSCN-IM started at around 3:30 am in the morning. The clash took place in a jungle between the two villages, but later on spread to the periphery of Chusazumi village, it was informed.
In a separate incident, one person was shot dead in the heart of Kohima town this evening by gunmen. The victim was identified as Hovezo Puyo, around 25 years and hailing from Viswema village. He was reportedly a signal operator of Nagaland Police. Two gunmen reportedly fired at him point blank near BOC petrol pump at around 6 pm. The victim who died on the spot was reportedly entering his brother’s shop located at BOC when he was confronted. The NSCN (IM) through its PRO Kilo Affairs has informed that it had no hand in today’s incident.
Meanwhile, two NSCN-IM cadres and an FGN cadre were also injured in the factional clash under Phek district, police source said. The bodies of those killed and injured cadres have been shifted to hospital by the police. While NSCN-IM cadres were reported to have moved out of the area, FGN and NSCN-K cadres are still positioned in the area, said sources. Meanwhile, one full company of IRB and some NAP personnel have been deployed in the area to take stock of the situation.
Also, additional sources informed that the NSCN-K has reinforced its position with more fighters from Pfutsero moving towards K Pasa and K Pebawe villages and that HQ Chokriba, Phek is being occupied by them. While the details could not be confirmed, concerned citizens from Phek informed that the NSCN-IM has suffered major “injuries”. The areas have been besieged by terror, a citizen said over phone.
