Civilians among 7 injured in NSCN factional clash

Kohima, Mar 9: Three civilians and four NSCN(K) cadres were injured when the rival groups of NSCN were engaged in a fierce gun battle at Satakha town in Nagaland's Zunheboto district yesterday, official sources today said.

The heavy exchange of firing had started at 0630 hours which lasted till noon leaving seven persons critically injured, the sources said.

The civilians were hit by stray bullets during the clash. Sources said the fighting was stopped only after the intervention of public leaders and police personnel.

All the injured were admitted to Zunheboto hospital.

Some fifty cadres of NSCN(K) were still camping at Satakha town, while equal number of NSCN-IM cadres returned to nearby Khukiye-Lukhai village.

Although, the situation was under control, fresh clash at any moment could not be ruled out, sources said. Yesterday's clash was the fourth day of consecutive fighting in the area between the two factions.

UNI