Four underground cadres killed in inter-factional clash

Kohima, May 29 (UNI) At least three cadres of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and NSCN(IM) activist were killed in a clash at Khutsokhuno village in Nagaland's Phek district.

Official sources here today said that unspecified number of NSCN-IM cadres yesterday attacked a house in the village, where the FGN cadres were sheltering. In the ensuing encounter three FGN gunmen and one NSCN-IM cadre were killed, while another NSCN-IM cadre was seriously injured.

Unconfirmed sources, however, said that at least two NSCN(IM) cadres were killed in the gun battle, which lasted about two hours.

However, there was no casualty to any civilian, although the clash took place inside the village.

On receiving information, a police team rushed to the spot and confirmed the death of three FGN and one NSCN-IM cadres.

Yesterday's clash was the first major clash causing maximum casualty among rival factions since the arrival of the NSCN-Im cadres in the stronghold of the FGN on April 21 last.

Tension gripped the district headquarters and the village in the proximity of Khutsokhuno as both the factions were readying themselves for fresh showdown, sources said.

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