Imphal, October 03: APTER A brief lull, at least three hardcore cadres of the Khaplang faction of NSCN were killed in the spot as suspected cadres of rival Isak-Muivah faction attacked their hide-out at Lower Agri colony last midnight in Kohima.

Unconfirmed sources revealed that five cadres were killed, three of NSCN-K and two of NSCN-IM, however police sources said that only three cadres belonging to NSCN-K were killed.

However, they did not rule out chances of casuality on the other side as both the factions were engaged in indiscriminate retaliations through sophisticated weapons and also exploded a hand grenade.

Sources revealed that the NSCN-IM cadres numbering eight of them attacked the NSCN-K cadres taking "shelter in the last house at Lower Agri colony at around 12:55 am.

Around 10 rival cadres were reportedly taking shelter at the house, sources said.

They reportedly attacked from an elevated place as the house though KCC had CGI sheet roofs killing three in the spot while, seven of them managed to escape retaliating gun shots.

The firing ended at around 1:45 am.

Sources also revealed thai the NSCN-IM cadres first fired some rounds in the air and asked the rival cadres to surrender, however they refused to do so and indiscriminate firing.

The three deceased cadres have been identified as SS lieutenant Toshfka (28) of Tuziihu village, Zunheboto, in-charge of Kohima Town Command, SS lieutenant John Kengma (35) of Rumesinyu village, Kohima and SS Sergeant Major Mughapu of Setoi village (26).Their bodies were recovered by the police personnel in the wee hours.

Police also recovered 108 empty shells of AK-47 .42 of 9mm and the safety-pin of the hand grenade.

Meanwhile, the People's Army of Nagaland GPRN/ NSCN(K) has mourned the death of three brave souls, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while defending the nation against the marauding anti-Naga elements".

A release issued bv Military Wing of NSCN/ GPRN said that though outnumbered and incapacitated they fought till their last breaths.

Even in their deaths, they leave behind a legacy of bravery and courage in the face of the enemy.

Their martyrdom shall always be honoured and recorded in the annals of the Naga sojourn for independence and sovereignty".

They also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed souls and prayed to God to grant them solace and courage at this hour of grief.