Kohima: Assam Rifles has recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition and arrested four GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) cadres in his connection in Dimapur.
A press release issued by Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) informed that the arms and ammunition of the GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) group were seized from a brick laden truck near Vihokhu-Kuhoboto road, Dimapur on Friday.
The arms and ammunition, which were hidden under bricks and sand in the truck were on its way to Zunheboto from designate camp Khehoi and were seized after a chase.
A total of 14 arms, four semi-modified arms (without bayonet), three Rifle HK, three Rifle SLR A1, two Rifle Bolt Action .303, two Rifle M-16 along with 3121 number of assorted ammunitions, three grenades, two detonators, and 14 magazines were seized, the release added.
The four GPRN/NSCN cadres apprehended in the operation had been identified as ‘ss’ capt Xukivi Sumi, 39, ‘ss’ lance corporal Kunovi Yeptho, 19, David Nakra, 22, (driver) and Khalil Ali, 25, (handyman). The cadres and the seized arms had been forwarded to East Police station.
Factional clash : Meanwhile, altogether three persons have been killed in an inter-factional clash between the rival NSCN groups in Kiphire district.
According to sources two underground cadres were killed on the spot, one succumbed to injuries on way to hospital, and another three injured after a heavy gun-battle between the NSCN-Khaplang and GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) at Sangphure designate camp under Kiphire district on Friday.
One ‘ss’ sergeant belonging to the NSCN (K) and identified as Tsilise Sangtam of Kisetung village in Kiphire district and a cadre from the GPRN/NSCN identified as Private Johnson of Funal Village in Chandel district in Manipur were killed in the fierce gun battle.
Another cadre from the Sumi community was reported to have died while being taken to hospital. However, his identity and group could not be ascertained, sources added.
Two other NSCN (K) cadres and one from NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) faction were reportedly injured.
Sources claimed that the situation is tense, but so far under control in the district.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has declared the region, including Kiphire district, as peace zone. (UNI)