IMPHAL: One militant was reportedly killed and scores injured in the gun-fight between the warring NSCN-IM and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) on Tuesday afternoon in Tamenglong district.
Reports said the gun-fight occurred near Lukhambi Part-1 or Khumji village which is located around 7 kilometres from Noney police station in Tamenglong district.
Meanwhile, NSCN-IM has claimed that one cadre of ZUF was killed in the fight.
According to the NSCN-IM source, the cadres of ZUF were camping in the hill-top near Lukhambi (Khumji) village in the past few days. On learning about the news, the NSCN-IM cadres launched an attack on Tuesday around 2:30 pm killing the cadre of ZUF.
The deceased was said to be from Nagaland’s Peren district, according to the NSCN-IM. The Naga outfit also claimed that one AK-47 rifle, a pair of night vision binoculars and a wireless set have been recovered from the site.
On the other hand, ZUF information secretary A Dangmei has said his outfit has been tested to the limit by the NSCN-IM. “We will, from now on do what is needed,” said A Dangmei, warning that ZUF will run after the NSCN-IM cadres.
A Dangmei said the ZUF cadres have been confining in secluded places these days so that no provocations are encountered during this festive season.
“Following the appeals from several civil society organisations to shun violence during Christmas season, we have obliged to this public appeals since the voice of the people is the voice of God but the NSCN-IM is continuing provocking us,” said A Dangmei.
Narrating on Tuesday’s incident, the ZUF leader said the NSCN-IM cadres attacked the resting ZUF cadres near Lukhambi Part-1 village. “We retaliated to the attack and there have been possibilities scores were injured on the other side,” claimed A Dangmei.
It may be recalled that on November 12, three militants were reportedly killed and injured score others in a fierce gun-battle between the NSCN-IM and the ZUF cadres in Tamenglong district. (NNN)