One killed, three injured in inter-factional clashes

Kohima May 17 (UNI) At least one NSCN-IM cadre was killed and two NSCN (K) cadres were injured in a fierce clash between the two factions near Athibung town under Peren district of Nagaland.

One Assam Rifles jawan was also injured when he was hit by a stray bullet.

According to official sources here today heavily armed NSCN-IM cadres surrounded the rival camp near Athibung town early yesterday and the ensuing gun battle continued for about eleven hours.

The firing stopped only after the intervention of the Assam Rifles and the district administration.

Both the factions were ordered to vacate the place immediately through public address system.

Sources said the NSCN-IM cadre killed in the clash was identified and the injured NSCN (K) cadres were shifted to Dimapur for treatment.

However, NSCN(K) sources claimed that at least two NSCN-IM cadres were killed and four others, including three of their cadres, were injured in the gun battle.

Police and Assam Rifles were closely monitoring the situation, which is reportedly tense but under control, sources added.

UNI AS PA VP1300