IM cadre killed in fresh gun fight
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 18 2011:
At least one NSCN (IM) cadre was killed while few others sustained injuries in a fresh gun-fight that broke out between NSCN (IM) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) at Lubanglong village in Khoupum valley of Tamenglong district today.
The indiscriminate firing among the armed cadres of the two rival armed groups has also forced the villagers to flee leaving behind their homes and hearths.
The slain NSCN (IM) cadre has been identified as one 2nd Lt Daikho (34) of Senapati district.
But no report of casualties on the ZUF side could be confirmed till the time of filing this report.
According to report reaching here, the fresh gun-fight between the armed cadres of NSCN (IM) and ZUF broke out early morning today at around 4:30.A huge number of NSCN (IM) cadres came to Lubanglong village where the cadres of ZUF were camping, and started firing towards the ZUF.
The exchange of fire between the two groups frightened the villagers, compelling them to vacate the village.
The Lubanglong village was once a stronghold of NSCN (IM) .
The encounter continued at regular intervals.
The people of the village are taking shelter at Khoupum Higher Secondary School at present.
Meanwhile, Newmai News Network has reported that the ZUF refuted the report of the Front involving in the recent Khoupum incident where Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Gaikhangam and some MLAs were "blockaded" .
Aihong Remroi, Joint Secretary ZUF has stated that the allegation was unfounded and baseless.
Remroi said that the report was an attempt to tarnish the name of the ZUF.