Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, May 30:
The NSCN (K) has reportedly released all the three hostages taken into its "custody" since its raids of Zunheboto in Nagaland.
The three included a senior leader of the NSCNIM, one Aheto, political advisor of the Sumi region belonging to Ghokishe village, who had also served as vice chairman of the Sumi region of the NSCN-K before he defected to the NSCN�IM, Vihoshe of Khukishe village, a 'raju peyu', and Tara Bahadur.
It is also learnt that the three were released on condition that they would tender their resignation letters dated today, and that they were released without undergoing any inhuman treatment.
As per a joint press release issued on behalf of Aghunato area, by the GBs (village authority) of Ghukishe village and Ghuvishe village, the villagers, while appreciating the NSCN-K for heeding its appeals to release the captured prisoners, praised the NSCN-K for showing compassion and also for respecting the sentiments of the people.
The press release of the GBs further went on to state that Aheto, political advisor of the Sumi region of the NSCN-IM and before he was with the NSCN�K as vice chairman of the Sumi region, was under much scrutiny taking into consideration that he had defected to the NSCN-IM just before the NSCN-IM launched the attack on its camp at Suruhoto.
He had reportedly abandoned the NSCN-K camp with a .38 revolver and confidential documents.
While, according to the statement, he deserved capital punishment, he, along with the other two, were released unharmed in a humanitarian gesture, the statement said adding the guarantors have also assured to bear the full responsibility.
Meanwhile, the release also expressed appreciation to the NSCN-K authorities for human compassion even for their foes and for respecting the voice of the common people.
Meanwhile, while tension still prevails in Zunheboto area over the presence of both the factions and reports of build-up of forces for an imminent showdown, other reliable sources ruled out immediate clashes between the two factions, reasoning that neither faction can afford to annoy the voice of the people of Zunheboto.