Imphal, March 30: A number of violent incident marked the five day Yaoshang festival which concluded yesterday, with two NSCN (IM) cadres killed in an attack by MPA cadres of the UNLF on March 25 morning at Kasom Khullen in Ukhrul district while a prominent leader of the Kuki community escaped a life attempt on March 25 night at Tuibong with two bullet injuries.

Two NSCN (IM) cadres killed: Two cadres of the NSCN (IM) were killed in a shoot out with MPA cadres of the UNLF near Wangli village situated about 50 kms from Kasom Khullen police station in Ukhrul district towards the direction of the Myanmar border on March 25.According to sources, the incident took place at a hut located about five kms from Wangli village.

The two NSCN (IM) cadres were killed when they were cut down by a hail of bullets fired by the rival cadres who were holed up inside the hut.

MPA cadres opened fire when the IM cadres broke down the door of the hut where they were taking shelter.

Another cadre of the NSCN (IM) was also injured in the shoot out.

The two deceased cadres have been identified as Ato (30) of Yimsha village in Zunheboto district of Nagaland and Keroring (29) of Rishophung village in Senapati district.

The dead bodies have been handed over to their respective family members by the villagers, added sources.

Meanwhile, claiming its hands in the incident, the UNLF in a statement said that the two IM cadres were killed when they tried to attack a camp of the 242 mobile Bn of the MPA on March 25.The outfit claimed that the NSCN (IM) was supported by the Assam Rifles in the attack and added that the two IM cadres were killed in the retaliatory firing launched by the MPA cadres.

Another cadre of the IM group was also seriously injured, said the statement and added that one AK rifle was seized from the attackers.

The UNLF said that the NSCN (IM) has today become a collaborator of India and is intent on snuffing out the freedom movement of the region.

Giving other details, the outfit said that during the last one month, the NSCN (IM) in cahoots with the security force of India, twice attacked the mobile camp of the MPA at Tamenglong district.

In the attacks, four cadres of the NSCN (IM) were killed while another four personnel of the Indian security force were injured, claimed the statement.

On top of this the IM group has launched an offensive on the designated camps of the NSCN (K) at Mon and Zunheboto districts of Nagaland, added UNLF.

This clearly demonstrates that the "unity of Naga people" slogan raised by the IM group is nothing much more than mere lip service, observed UNLF.

The outfit also asked all the Naga people to be wary of the designs of the NSCN (IM) and appealed to them to join hands together to take the fight for freedom further.

Kuki leader shot: A prominent leader of the Kuki community and a signatory of the 1st October 1998 Zomi-Kuki Peace Accord, Albert Gengoukhup Mate was shot and injured by unidentified gunmen inside his residence at Tuibong on March 25 in an apparent life attempt, reports our CCpur correspondent.

Sources said that around 7/8 youths enquired the whereabouts of Albert who was out to drop a relative at around 8 pm and waited for him.

On his arrival 3 of the youths who were inside the house tried to drag him outside but when his wife intervened, the other youths who were outside, fired wounding him at least on two points.

After first aid at the District Hospital, CCpur, he was rushed to Shija Hospital for further treatment where he is declared to be out of danger.

Though the reason behind the attack was not clear, family sources ruled out the involvement of other community.

The Kuki National Army/Kuki National Organisation while condemning the attack, said that instead of harassing such leaders it is more proper for all to seek their blessings.

Surrenderee shot dead: A surrendered activist of the KCP was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on March 26 at about 9.40 pm at Nongmeibung Pung Makhong in Imphal East.

The deceased is identified as Sanasam Paikhomba alias Jimmy (29) of Nongmeibung Pung Makhong.

He was shot dead while he was staying at the house of another man identified as Oinam Tombi.

The body bore about four bullet wounds.

Paikhomba surrendered to the Government on November 4, 1999 along with one country made .22 gun with five bullets.

Lovers commit suicide: Two young lovers who fled from their respective homes have been found dead at the jungles of Langka village located about 75 kms from Kangpokpi PS.

The young girl has been identified as Martha Abonmei (15) daughter of Namlilung of Langka village.

The identity of the young man is however yet to be established though there are speculations that he could be one Tomba.

The two ran away from their homes on February 2.Sources said that the father and brother of the girl persuaded her to come after learning that she was staying at a place in Singjamei.

The message to come home was conveyed on March 10.However the two ran away from the house at Singjamei and remained untraced since March 12.The bodies of the two were recovered from the jungles of Langka on March 28.The body of Martha has been handed over to family members after post mortem at RIMS morgue today.

The body of the young man is yet to be identified and is still lying at the morgue.

Three killed in mishaps: Two persons including a child were killed when the bus they were travelling in met with an accident at Thanga Shamukon on March 25 at about 5.45 pm.

Thirty other passengers were injured in the accident, said sources adding that the bus was on its way to Thanga from Imphal.

The two victims have been identified as Maisnam Bikash alias Thoiba (7) son of M Budhi of Thanga Heisnam Leikai and Md Aziruddin (35) of Yairipok Tulihal Mayai Leikai.

Aziruddin was a rifleman with the 2nd IRB and was posted at Thanga.

The bodies were handed over to family members after post mortem at RIMS morgue on March 26.In another incident a 5 year old kid was killed when he was knocked down by a Maruti car on March 28 at Keishampat Aheibam Leikai.

The child is identified as Nongmaithem Chingnungnganba son of M Bobby of Keishampat Aheibam Leikai.

Imphal police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

One shot: Unidentified gunmen shot and wounded a 27 year old youth yesterday at about 9.25 pm at Chajing Tapokpi under Singjamei PS.

The youth who received a bullet in the abdomen is identified as one Yumnam Syam of Chajing Awang Leikai.

He has been admitted to Shija clinic.

Grenade attack: Suspected cadres of the PULF lobbed a grenade at the residence of Md Manoj Saha at Minuthong Hatta on March 25 at about 5.55 pm.

No one was however injured in the attack.

Injured in bomb blast: A 19 year old youth sustained injuries on the face and hands when a bomb went off during the burning of some smoke bombs at Wangbal on March 29 at about 10 am.

The youth who has been admitted to RIMS is identified as one K Deepak of Wangjing Lamdeng.

One hacked: A 45 year old man has been admitted to RIMS in critical condition after he was hacked with a knife on the thigh, shoulder and right hand on March 29 at about 11.30 pm at Salungpham.

The victim has been identified as Maibam Shanti while the attacker is named as one Maibam Iboyaima (25).Child passes away inside jail: A 2 month old infant passed away at Sajiwa jail at about 4 am on March 25 while sleeping with his mother.

The mother has been in jail in connection with drug trade and is identified as Rashijan Bibi (35) of Kwakta.

As the woman had a suckling baby, permission was granted to let the child stay with the mother inside the jail.

The child was found dead by the mother on March 25 morning.

Heingang police have registered a case in connection with the incident and the body of the child has been handed over to family members after post mortem at RIMS morgue.

Held with arms: Two persons have been arrested along with one UMG and 25 bullets during a raid led by the SP of CCpur on March 25 at about 2.30 pm at New Lamka.

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