IM-K/ZUF gun fight shattered peace in Tamenglong
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Tamenglong, September 26 2012:
IN CONTINUED rivalry, fierce gun battles broke out between the armed cadres of NSCN-IM on one side and the combined team of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and NSCN-K on the other at Matung (Wairangba Khunou) village, about 12 kms to the eastern side of Tamenglong district headquarters.
The gun battles broke out at around 5 pm yesterday and continued till 3 am today.
However, with regard to casualties, there are contradictory reports.
NSCN-K claimed that six NSCN-IM cadres were killed while the rival group dismissed the claim.
When contacted, Tamenglong police station also maintained that there is no report of any casualty, though the details are being awaited.
A well placed source from the NSCN-K informed Newmai News Network tonight that six cadres of NSCN-IM were killed in the clashes and recovered six weapons of the deceased.
On the other hand, Lungchaibi who is the deputy kilonser (minister) of NSCN-IM in-charge of Zeliangrong Region told Newmai News Network that no one was even injured from his outfit.
"Due to the bomb explosion hurled by the ZUF/NSCN-K cadres, a goat was found killed in our camp", Lungchaibi said, and expressed unhappiness over the All India Radio news where it was broad cast that six NSCN-IM cadres were killed in the clashes.
"It is unfortunate that false news have been broad cast and published without being authenticated," rued the NSCN-IM leader.
On the other hand, talking to NNN, ZUF chairman Kamson said it was still not clear the number of casualties.
"However, we have driven out the NSCN-IM cadres from Wairangba Khunou area," claimed Kamson.
According to NSCN-IM leader Ringthim, the combined team of ZUF/NSCN-K came from three directions and attacked their camps at around 5:30 pm yesterday.
"They came in large number and well planned to attack our boys whose strength was just 20 to 30," said Ringthim.
According to deputy kilonser Lungchaibi, the position of the NSCN-IM was not good at the time of the attacks.
"So we have moved up hill and our boys are conducting a worship service at the moment," disclosed Lungchaibi.
Meanwhile, reports reaching Imphal on Wednesday said a fierce gun battle took place between the NSCN-IM and ZUF at Duiluan Matung, also known as Wairangba in the hill district of Tamenglong which lasted several hours.
The intermittent fighting started around 5 pm yesterday and continued till noon today during which six NSCN-IM cadres were killed and injured one pastor, the reports said.
The reports further said heavily armed ZUF cadres had been loitering in the area for the last few days.
Four mess quarters of the NSCN-IM located in the area.
The ZUF have reportedly overrun two out of the four mess quarters.
The gun battles began yesterday at around 5 pm and continued till 10 pm.
It started again at around 3 am today and continued for the whole day.
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