5 NSCN(K) cadres nabbed for firing near CM's residence

Kohima, Jul 12 (UNI) Five NSCN(K) cadres were arrested by Kohima police yesterday in connection with the blank firing near the official residence of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently.

The residence is located in the high security area of Minister's Hill.

Official sources said the cadres, who came in a taxi, opened fire in the air near the residences of the chief minister and Assembly Speaker Kiyanilia Pesaeyie and escaped.

All policemen were alerted and the taxi was intercepted in Mohinkhola area.

Police arrested the six persons--five NSCN(K) cadres and the taxi driver. They seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including an AK 47 rifle with 60 rounds of bullets and two.32 pistols with 17 live rounds of ammunition besides, some cash from the desperadoes.

On interrogation they said they were having 'paan' in a shop when some NSCN-IM cadres, their rivals, fired upon them.

Police investigation was on to ascertain their claims.

UNI AS PL VA PM1402