Kohima, February 17: Factional clash between rival NSCN factions broke out at Yoruba village, under Phek district in Nagaland today morning when the two groups came face to face in a chance-encounter.

According to report, NSCN-IM cadres who were coming towards Yoruba village from Khetsuma side encountered a group of rival NSCN-K cadres coming from Tesuru riverside at around 8.20 am.

Both sides opened fire resulting in a heavy gun battle.

However, there was no report of any casualty or injury in the clash.

Later the villagers intervened and asked both sides to stop the fighting and withdraw which they did and the situation was brought under control.

Meanwhile, two unidentified gunmen believed to be from the underground faction went inside Hotel Khouchiezie (near Naga Club building) in Kohima and pumped several rounds at point blank range with an AK-47 and M20 pistol at one person while he was reportedly eating at around 11.30 a.m.on Thursday, according to a Dimapur based newspaper.

It reported that the shocked onlookers could only watch in horror as the victim slumped dead on the floor with six gunshots three on the head and one each on the rib, chest and leg.

Later the victim was identified as Pusutso Chakhesang, aged around forty and son of Pungocho of Pholami village under Phek district.

The newspaper reported that police also recovered around 21 empty cases of both AK-47 rifle and M-20 pistol from the spot.

Sources said the deceased was a member of the NSCN (I-M) and had worked in its 'revenue department' but had later deserted in the late nineties, according to the daily newspaper based in Dimapur.

Police could not say whether the victim after deserting the faction joined any other faction, said the daily.

Howeve, senior NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu confirmed that, late Puhe was not a member of the faction.

Earlier on Wednesday night, unidentified gunmen shot dead one NSCN (K) cadre at lower Agri Colony here.

Official sources said the resident of the colony, on hearing the gunshots, informed the police.

The body was later recovered in the vicinity.

The relatives of the cadre later identified the victim as one 'ss pvt' Nitoshe Sema of NSCN (K) from Sapotimi village under Suruhoto sub-division of Zunheboto district.

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