NSCN factions clash again
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, September 24 2012: Cadres of NSCN groups led by SS Khaplang on one side and the Khole/Kitovi on the other exchanged fire at Kiphire area in Nagaland this morning.

However, reports of casualty were not ascertained.

However, both the rival outfits have contradictory versions to say in connection with today's clash.

A well placed source from the NSCN-Khole/Kitovi informed Newmai News Network that early this morning, cadres of the outfit were on their way to a village and suddenly they bumped into the rival cadres on the outskirt of Kiphire.

There was exchange of gun fire but no serious injuries occurred on either side, added the source.

On the other hand, the NSCN group led by SS Khaplang alleged that the rival cadres fired at them without being provoked in a populated place of Kiphire town at around 3:30 am today.

The NSCN-K vehemently condemns the incident and said, "The senseless firing upon its cadres by the GPRN group cadres at a civilian populated area at Kiphire town this morning has caused panic upon the innocent public whose plea for maintaining peace among the various political groups were once again fallen on deaf ears of the GPRN group" .

The NSCN-K further said the rival group cadres under the command of one 'sergeant major' Likhaba who recently defected from the former group came and fired upon the NSCN-K cadres at Supply Colony at Kiphire town at about 3:30 am this morning.

"Fortunately, none of the NSCN cadres were injured due to the grace of almighty God.

It is once again reminded to those cowards that the NSCN is capable of facing any eventuality at any given time, but considering the safety of the innocent public the cadres did not retaliate.

The matured action of the NSCN cadres in not retaliating the senseless firing in view of the repeated appeals make by the public needs to be appreciated, as it was in the larger interests of the people who yearn for peace from amongst the different political groups and not otherwise," the NSCN-K said.

Further, the NSCN-K asks the Eastern Naga Peoples Organisation (ENPO) and USLP what course of action they are initiating against those violators whose senseless action are bringing much tension and creating fear psychosis upon the innocent people.

"It is time to wake up from the slumber and do something less the patience of the NSCN runs out which will be a big plunder for everyone if timely corrective measures are not initiated it will lead to further bloodshed in the days to come," the Khaplang group said.

In can be mentioned here that the factional clashes between the NSCN-K and the NSCN-Khole/Kitovi have been increasing in the last few months.

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