Kohima, May 03 2009: Nagaland Home Minister, Imkong L Imchen condemning the dastardly act of attempted murder on the two student leaders at Dimapur on Saturday said that it has darkened and spoilt the peaceful atmosphere of the city.

In an emergency meeting held last evening at SP's office along with the DC, NGOs and other concerned officials, he declared that the NSCN-K had owned responsibility of the shooting and asked the outfit to gracefully hand over the culprits to the concerned authorities.

Reacting on a query over the prevailing situation, Imkong stated that the situation at the moment, as compared to the volatile situation last year, has become relatively peaceful.

He said that apart from some isolated incidents taking place around the town, fratricidal killings have come to a stop for which he lauded the civil societies, NGOs and also the leaders of the factional groups for showing restraint.

Meanwhile, claiming responsibility for the shoot out the Khaplang faction of GPRN/NSCN (NSCN-K) has offered 'unconditional apology' and expressed 'deep regret at the action of its men who fatally injured two student activists as a result of mistaken identity'.

A release issued by its publicity cell said the shooting incident is 'most unfortunate and unwarranted' while informing that 'the unfortunate hour beckoned when Naga Army personnel on duty were informed of the presence of extortionists in the area'.

It also felt that it was 'pertinent to note that only two days back five members extortionist gang was arrested from the same area and taken to the camp' and said 'in obeying the orders, Naga army personnel failed to assess the overall situation and most importantly, the identity of the individuals'.

The GPRN/NSCN (NSCN-K) has also assured that 'proper inquiry' would be initiated and appropriate disciplinary action taken at the earliest.

The 'unconditional apology is tendered to the two victims, their families, the students' community and Naga people as a whole', the press release said while also expressing hope that the apology will 'elevate the Nagas to a higher ground where there is no room for vengeful instigation' and assured all cooperation in the recovery process of the two injured student activists.

Mention may be made here that the shooting incident occurred in broad daylight outside Breeze Restaurant while the victims were boarding their vehicle.

Speaker of the Sumi Students' Union, Benato Swu received bullet injury on the neck while former president and Advisor to Kiphire Sumi Student Union, Atoka N Chophy was shot on the left hip.

They have been evacuated to Guwahati and undergoing treatment.

Further, in a separate release, Naga Hoho condemning the incident said that "such hysterical actions on the part of any individuals/groups under the guise of freedom movement deserved condemnation by the people at large".

However, the Hoho appreciated the GPRN/NSCN for their straightforwardness in claiming responsibility of the incident and their efforts to help the victims.

Maintaining that as of now, the voice of the Naga people is for reconciliation and a permanent political settlement, the Hoho however said that it does not mean that every political groups are given license for domination of territories and elimination of each other so as to collect more taxes from the public which gradually may lead to the breakdown of reconciliation process in the State of Nagaland.

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