Six NSCN(K) cadres killed in clash with rival

Kohima, Apr 16 (UNI) Six NSCN(K) cadres had been killed and one civilian injured when rival factions of the NSCN engaged in a fierce gun battle in Zunheboto town.

The injured civilian was admitted to Zunheboto Civil Hospital after the incident yesterday, police sources said here today.

Police said that the clash started on Saturday night, which stopped only to resume on Sunday morning and continued till late last night.

The trouble started when 130 NSCN-IM cadres, reportedly, attacked the NSCN(K) cadres. On Sunday morning, they encircled the house of NSCN(K) General Secretary Kitovi Zhimomi. The gun battle continued till late night.

Police said that the cadres of both groups were injured, but the actual number could not be ascertained.

Tension gripped the town as people fear that the inter-factional clash may spread, although the groups are now fighting only in the jungle.

Combined forces of CRPF, Assam Rifles and Indian Reserve Battalion are stationed in the vicinity of the clash site for the protection of the civilians, sources said.

UNI