Two hurt in shootout, one arrested
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 20 2017: Two suspected cadres of NSCN-IM were hurt in a shootout with troops of 23 Assam Rifles and another was arrested in Sibilong under Noney district this evening .

A source informed that the incident took place around 3 pm and the arrested cadre has been brought to Imphal .

Newmai News Network adds:
The Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam, Manipur and Nagagaland (ZB-AMN) alleged that the "army" fired upon unarmed NSCN-IM cadres for the second time today in a week's time in Tamenglong district injuring one person .

While condemning the incident on behalf of his organisation, Athuan Abon- mai, president of ZB-AMN alleged that on December 14 the "army" opened fire on the unarmed NSCN-IM cadres at Shantikhunou in Tamenglong district.

The second such firing incident occurred again today around 3 pm at Sibilong village, also in Tamenglong district injuring one person, according to the ZB-AMN President.

He also alleged that an "innocent person" was arrested after the incident by the "army" .

The ZB-AMN president then alleged that the "army" has been carrying out "such unwanted activities in collusion with the vested interest elements to disturb the peaceful atmosphere" .

Athuan Abonmai further alleged that "in the name of conducting operations against those outfits which are not engaged in ceasefire with the Government, the army has been provoking the NSCN-IM which is in ceasefire with the Government" .

The ZB-AMN president then questioned the intention of the "army" while raising apprehension that the latter "must be attempting to derail the peace pro- cess or harass the Zeliang-rong people." He added that when the people are eagerly waiting for the solution to the several decades old Naga political problem "it is unfortunate that certain elements are working hard to sabotage the peace process" .

The Zeliangrong leader then demanded on behalf of ZB-AMN to release the arrested person within 48 hours.

"The army must stop such unwanted activities and also release the arrested person or else we will start democratic agitations against such issue," stated Athuan Abonmai.

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