4 NSCN cadres killed in factional clash

Kohima, Apr 23 (UNI) Four cadres of the NSCN were killed during an inter-factional clash near 7th Mile area at Dimapur yesterday, sources said today.

the official sources said that suspected NSCN(U) cadres reportedly attacked a camp of NSCN-IM in the area thus resulting into a fierce gun battle for over three hours.

Two NSCN(U) cadres and one NSCN-IM cadre were killed on the spot, while another NSCN-IM operative succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Police, along with Assam Rifles personnel, rushed to the spot and recovered many empty cases of assorted arms and two unexploded Chinese-made grenades.

Earlier, the two rival factions had also entered into a fight on Thursday last at Dimapur, where three NSCN cadres, including one NSCN-IM, were killed.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen lashed out at the factions for the persistent killings saying 'factions are wrong as far as their present activities are concerned'.

He said the government was concerned about the security of the public and would not tolerate fratricidal killings.

He also appealed to all citizens to come out openly to arrest the escalating situation.

UNI AS PP SB DS1153