Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, October 03:
In a major setback to the NSCN-IM's venture at Mezoma village in Kohima district, five of its cadres today defected to rival faction (NSCN-K) along with sophisticated arms and huge number of ammunition, reports NNN.
A release issued by UT-1 Urban Commander, Atoshe Chophy claimed that the defectors identified as 'ss sgt.
maj.' Aliba Sangtam, 'ss sgt.
maj.' Atoka Sema, 'ss sgt.' Chibo Lotha, 'ss corpl.' Hekiye Sema and 'ss sgt.' Joy Newmai reportedly decamped from Mezoma in the wee hours of Wednesday morning along with one M-21, one AK-56 and four G-Series SLR assault rifles along with several rounds of ammunition.
Meanwhile, Atoshe while welcoming them stated that the defectors were demoralised with the NSCN-IM's lack of political vision for the 'entire Nagas' and they have joined the 'mainstream' to boost the political movement under the collective leadership of NSCN-K.A welcome and prayer service for the 'homecoming' of the five cadres was held at Kohima, which was attended by several leaders from the NSCN-K including the Kohima Urban Town Command, Angami Region officials, UT-1 officials and top ranking NSCN-K officers.