Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 06:
The Khaplang faction of the NSCN has announced that it has launched an operation to drive out the NP battalion of its rival IM faction from Tamenglong district.
One civilian was killed on mistaken identity while one IM cadre was captured in the operation that began from Wednesday night in Tamei areas.
The operation was, however, halted temporarily following the death of the civilian identified as Kabembou Kamei, 23, said a statement issued by information and publicity in-charge , Zeliangrong region of the Khaplang faction.
Since IM cadres have failed to shift its NP battalion from Tamenglong district despite orders being served on them in June first week, K cadres started the flush out operation, the statement said.
Terming Kamei's death as an incident of mistaken identity the statement said during the operation the K cadres spotted a man later identified as Kamei moving in a suspicious manner and when he was signaled to halt for verification he abruptly attempted to run away as a result of which he was gunned down.
Cadres involved in gunning down Kamei, were, also given " punishments" for neglecting their duties, it said.
Though one NSCN (IM) cadre � sergeant major Agai, son of Bamchuilung of Ngariyan village � was captured by the K Cadres, he was freed after Tamei village authorities fervently requested the K cadres not to cause bloodshed in the area.
A large number of IM cadres would have been killed had there been no incident of killing the innocent man, the statement said while sharing its deep sorrow on the demise of Kamei.
To avoid casualties during the flush out operation, the statement insisted upon to all civilians not to venture out around IM's NP battalion in the night after 10, it said while asking the hunters not to wear camouflage fatigues in the jungle.
Anybody found breaching this order should be held responsible on any eventualities arising out of the operation, it added.
Stating that NSCN K does not want bloodshed, its rival IM has been dogging every movement of its cadres, it.
Ridiculing the IM �centre "crucial talks" that has now been on a monthly basis, the statement said it would be more meaningful when such dialogue continues on daily basis.