Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, April 16:
With the factional clashes between the IM and K group of the NSCN continuing in various parts of Nagaland scores of cadres belonging to the NSCN-K were killed in the last 48 hours.
In a heavy exchange of gun fire today one NSCN-K "Sergeant Major" was shot dead while another cadre was seriously injured.
Reliable sources informed Newmai News Network in Dimapur that two civilians were also injured in the clashes between the two factions today.
The incident took place along National Highway 39 between Kohima and Dimapur at a place called Medziphema.
Further reports said that about 65 cadres from NSCN-IM attacked a group of NSCN-K at Serima village near Medziphema at around 8 am today.
Sources added that the two civilians were from the Kuki community and they are being treated at Civil Hospital, Dimapur.
The deceased "Sgt Major" of the Khaplang faction has been identified as "Sergeant Major" Kihoto Chophy, son of Kivito Chophy of Kuhoboto.
In another clashe today at Jail Colony area of Kohima at around 10.30 am three cadres were seriously injured but it could not be ascertained as to which faction they belong.
Meanwhile, fear psychosis has gripped Amiphoto Colony and its adjoining areas in Zunheboto district of Nagaland today following yesterday's (Sunday) clash in which the NSCN (I-M) killed six NSCN (K) cadres.
Sources said on Monday that Assam Rifles and IRB personnel were out there to disperse the cadres from the areas.
However, NSCN-K MIP Kilonser AZ Jami informed Newmai News Network over phone from Mon district of Nagaland tonight that only three cadres from his outfit were killed and two injured and rubbished the news reports in Dimapur based daily newspapers in today's edition which mentioned that six NSCN-K cadres were killed.
AZ Jami who was former NSCN-IM's MIP Kilonser and later defected to the NSCN-K two years ago, has said tonight that Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the NSCN-K Kitovi Zhimomi has lodged a complaint against the rival faction to India's Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) today with regard to the seizure of his house in Zhunheboto.
Kitovi's house was seized yesterday by the NSCN-IM cadres in the clash in Zunheboto district.
AZ Jami also said that the NSCN-K will file complaints against the NSCN-IM to the Government of India in this regard.