Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 15:
During an intense gun fight between the two factions of NSCN at around 5.30 pm yesterday at Makoi village under Tamenglong district, a girl was hurt when NSCN (IM) cadres fired toward a house occupied by civilians, informed a statement issued by the Publicity and Information secretary of NSCN (K).
The girl hit by a bullet at the knee is identified as Gailumliu Riamei (18) d/o Kinsung Riamei.
The girl has been evacuated to Tamenglong district Hqs for treatment.
According to the statement, on September 6 when some cadres of NSCN (K) were staying at Chingkhonglong village under Tousem sub-division, a large number of IM cadres attacked them and the K cadres also retaliated.
Consequent upon the fitting reply given by K cadre, the IM cadres fled from the scene, it said.
On September 9, a 12 member team of NSCN (K) in pursuit of the fleeing IM cadres found them at Jhuilon village.
There too, a gun fight ensued.
The 30/40 cadre strong IM team was led by captain belonging to a Sema tribe, conveyed the statement.
Unable to face the onslaught of K cadres, the IM cadres fled for their lives with K cadres closely following them.
The two rival factions met again at Makoi village yesterday and fought another gun battle which resulted in the injury to the innocent girl.
The statement claimed there were no casualties on the side of K cadres even though it was uncertain whether there was any casualty on the side of the rival faction.
Despite repeated provocations by IM cadres, NSCN (K) cadres have been restraining themselves thinking of the casualties and suffering likely to be endured by the civilians, it said while warning the rival faction that the K group would no longer remain inactive if they are provoked any more.
Asking as to how long could they go on terrifying people under cover, it observed that they would apprehended one day.
Asserting that 'outsiders' have been plotting to oust local people from Zeliangrong area, the statement warned that such evil designs would never be fruitful.
Disclosing that army searched for NSCN (K) and MPA cadres at Chingkhonglong before the arrival of K cadres, it questioned NSCN (IM) whether they were struggling for the welfare of people or scheming for a bloody internecine war among the indigenous brothers of the region.
Accusing IM group of misinforming army about NSCN (K) and MPA working together, it asked them whether NSCN (IM) have been working hand in glove with the Indian army.
Asserting that people are witness to the fact that NSCN (K) never go with MPA, it iterated that if IM group was sincere to restore peace, K would respond positively but if they are intent on perpetrating violence, NSCN (K) would accept the challenge and would remain inactive.
It reiterated that NSCN (K) never desired to cause any casualty or hardship to the people.