Three killed in factional clashes

Kohima, Apr 7 (UNI) At least three underground cadres were killed in sporadic inter-factional clashes since yesterday in places under Phek district of Nagaland.

According to official sources here today, the clashes occurred due to movement of armed cadres of NSCN rival factions and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN).

A NSCN(K) cadre was killed in clash with rival NSCN-IM at Wazeho on Wednesday night.

Senior police officials from Phek rushed to Wazeho to pacify the warring factions.

In another clash at Purba village yesterday, two self-styled lieutenants, one each from NSCN-IM and FGN were killed when both the factions engaged in a gun battle.

The bodies were taken to Pfutsero town from where they were taken to their respective villages.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles DIG Brig R L Sharma and 17Bn Col S K Jha visited Pfutsero town yesterday.

They interacted with the town council members, head gaon burahs, gaon burahs and other public members of the town and nearby villages to take stock of the present situation following the reports of heavy movement of armed underground cadres of various factions, and assured all help to the people of the area.

Expressing concern over the incidents, former Nagaland finance minister Kewekhape Therie, in a statement, said it was the duty of the state government to enforce law and order and tackle all underground factions.

UNI AS TJP VD DB1108