Renewed ZUF-IM clash force villagers to flee
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 18 2011:
Fresh gun-battle broke out between the armed cadres of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and NSCN (IM) at Guite village, near of Khoupum Tampak Dam under Tamenglong district which has forced the people of the surrounding area to flee for safety leaving behind the homes and hearths.
According to information received by the press, the latest confrontation between the armed cadres of the two rival groups took place at around 4.30 am today at Guite village, which is located around 15 kms to the north of Khoupum Police Station.
Cadres of NSCN (IM) opened fire and launched an attack on a mobile team of ZUF station there.
Armed cadres of ZUF retaliated and the exchange of fire between the two sides lasted for around two hours.
However, there is no report of any casualty on either side.
With booming guns once again shattering the peace of the area, the villagers of the surrounding area, specially women and children, have fled to safer places leaving behind their homes and hearths.
Meanwhile, sources said that taking serious note of the renewed clash between the two rival groups, leaders of Naga civil organizations including Forum for Naga Reconciliation, have rushed in to Guite village to pacify the two armed groups.
On the other hand, Zeliangrong Community Society as well as the villagers of Khoupum Tampak have come out strongly against continued gun-fight between ZUF and NSCN (IM) .
It may be noted here that in the morning of October 7 last, six persons including five cadres of NSCN (IM) and one civilian driver lost their lives while five other persons sustained injuries in a ambush laid by armed cadres of ZUF at a spot in between Taosang and Leisok.