KOHIMA: The toll in inter-factional clashes, which started on December 19 at Dimapur between rival factions of NSCN (Khaplang) and GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), rose to three on Thursday night.
Official sources said the clashes began at Dimapur and continued in Zunheboto on December 22 and 23.
The third casualty was reported inside a Mela ground at Burma Camp, leading to a stampede among the people.
Sources said unidentified gunmen shot at the man’s head from close range killing him on the spot.
Police identified the deceased as one Visavo Chakhesang, reported to be the ‘Town Command’ of the GPRN/NSCN.
Two empty cases and a live round of .9mm weapons were recovered from the spot.
Tension ran high among residents of Amiphoto colony in Zunheboto town last evening when armed NSCN(K) cadres were seen moving around in full gear in the colony.
Sources said some NSCN cadres had gathered near the residence of a high ranking functionary of the GPRN/NSCN.
The situation in Zunheboto was tense as both NSCN(K) and GPRN/NSCN cadres were preparing for a showdown, they added.
One company of Indian Reserve Battalion(IRB) had been deployed at Zunheboto town and another company of IRB at Suruhoto town near Zunhebot.
The Sumi Hoho has urged Union Home Minister P Chidambaram ‘to remove’ all the ‘designated camps’ within Zunheboto district or ask the NSCN groups to ‘strictly implement’ the Cease-Fire Ground Rules (CFGR) ‘in letter and spirit’. (UNI)
