Factional guns boom in Tamenglong again, 4 killed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2012: At least four UG cadres have been killed in another clash between Naga militant groups near Tamenglong district headquarters this morning.

The number of casualties however could not be officially confirmed till the time of filing this report.

Sources said that cadres of ZUF and NSCN-IM were engaged in an intense gun fight starting from 10.30 am near Powerhouse Colony, Tamenglong district Hqs.

The gun fight claimed at least two ZUF cadres and one cadre of NSCN-IM.

The NSCN-IM cadre was killed soon after the gun fight broke out.

Meanwhile, ZUF has admitted that two of its cadres were also killed in the gun battle.

But another source said that the NSCN-IM cadre was shot dead by troops of 13th Assam Rifles posted at Tamenglong powerhouse when he ran towards the AR post with a gun in his hand.

The gun has also been recovered.

However, police have not received any report from Assam Rifles about the incident till the time of filing this report.

The gun fight went on intermittently and the battlefield slowly shifted away further from the district Hqs.

Even as Assam Rifle troops and police have moved in and are searching the area, the corpses have not been recovered.

Meanwhile, the corpse of the NSCN-IM cadre who was killed as the encounter broke out has been deposited in the mortuary of Tamenglong district hospital.

It is suspected that the deceased was one Benjamin Panmei (28) .

On the other hand, another source revealed that both the Tamenglong DC and the SP were threatened with strong words by one Naga militant group.

Subsequently, the SP has appealed to the authorities concerned to send police reinforcement.

Home Minister Gaikhangam has also asked the 57 Mountain Division GOC to flush out all militants from Tamenglong district.

The Home Minister has also directed the DGP to enhance the strength of police and MR/IRB in Tamenglong district.

The intermittent gun fight which lasted for around 6 hours ceased at about 5 pm.

Notably, an NSCN-K cadre was killed in an armed confrontation with NSCNIM cadres at Tamenglong Khunjao on October 24 evening.

Earlier, there were frequent cases of armed confrontation between ZUF and NSCN-IM in Tamenglong district.

Meanwhile, ZUF information and publicity secretary A Dangmei has conceded that its two lance corporals were killed in the encounter.

The two lance corporals were Rathailung (28) of Awangkhul and Lanhung (25) of Puichi near Haochong (Oktan).

Rathailung was killed when he was ambushed by NSCN-IM cadres on the way as he rushed in for reinforcement.

Lanhung was killed in the course of the gun battle.

The area where the gun fight took place was not a residential area but it was already occupied by ZUF cadres.

ZUF cadres searched the whole area soon after the NSCN-IM cadres retreated and one individual who looked like a Tangkhul was found dead inside the jungle.

Signs which suggested NSCN-IM cadres taking away another deceased were also observed, claimed Dangmei.

While searching the area, three magazines of SLR, two magazines of sniper and other equipment including ammunition pouches were recovered.

There was ample proof that three NSCN-IM cadres sustained severe injuries while another belonging to Sema tribe was hurt on the hand.

The loss of two ZUF cadres belonging to Zeliangrong tribes would not dishearten the outfit in its efforts to achieve the goal of Zeliangrong people.

Their blood would rather add vigour to the movement, Dangmei said.

It was unthinkable for NSCN-IM to send its cadres to battle at a time when its two high-profile leaders were holding consultative meeting at Dimapur.

The Government of India should not overlook such haughty attitude of NSCN-IM.

The information and publicity secretary on behalf of ZUF conveyed solidarity to the bereaved families of the two deceased lance corporals.

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