NSCN-IM claims responsibilty for killing IRB jawan

Kohima, Apr 27 (UNI) The NSCN-IM today stated that it had killed an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan on April 25 owing to ''mistaken identity''.

The ''ministry of information and publicity'' of the NSCN-IM, in a release, expressed ''regret over the unfortunate incident.'' The NSCN-IM cadres had killed a jawan of the 10th IRB Hanji Konyak at Diphupar village in Dimapur on April 25.

''The NSCN-IM expresses deep regret over the tragic incident, which happened on the spur of the moment because of a mistaken identity, and shares the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family members,'' the release stated.

The IRB jawan was shot dead when he, along with his colleagues, was on foot patrol duty in Diphupar 'B' village for the protection of the citizens following the concentration of rival cadres of NSCN-IM and NSCN (Unification).

The exchange of fire with the IRB and the NSCN-IM continued for a long time after the jawan's death.

UNI AS DPM RSA ND1110