Kohima tense as standoff continues

Kohima May 26 (UNI) Tension ran high in the 'Para-Medical Colony' of Kohima town following the 'standoff' by the rival factions of the NSCN and reported reinforcement by both the factions to the area.

Official sources said police and security forces were patrolling the area round-the-clock to ensure the safety of the citizens.

According to official sources, the standoff began on May 23 when the NSCN-IM cadres surrounded a house in the Para-Medical Colony, which was occupied by the NSCN(K) cadres.

Yesterday, the Para-Medical Panchayat members and the Angami Public Organisation (APO), the top official body of the Angami Tribe, met the leaders of both the factions and requested them to vacate the populated areas, as inter-factional clashes could erupt and damage the life and property of the innocent civilians.

However, both the factions asserted that they would vacate the area only after the rival faction left.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, Kohima, K Martin Pienyu asked both the NSCN factions to vacate civilian-populated areas to avoid creating tension among the public.

People, apprehending violence, kept indoors for safety.

UNI