2 killed, 3 injured in cross-firing in Nagaland

Kohima, Jul 17: Two students were killed and three others injured in cross firing between Assam Rifles and suspected NSCN(K) militants at Phor in Phek district of Nagaland.

The incident occurred when Assam Rifles jawans were bringing the bodies of two NSCN(K) militants from the encounter spot last night, Assam Rifles officials said here today.

A group of villagers stopped the paramilitary convoy, carrying the bodies of the NSCN(K) cadres killed at Avangkhu the previous night by the security forces, and demanded that the body of the militant belonging to Phor village be handed over to them, they said.

While discussion between the security forces and the villagers was in progress, suspected NSCN(K) militants fired at the jawans from different sides, which was retaliated by the Assam Rifles.

Two teenaged students were killed in the cross firing while a local woman, an officer and a jawan of the Assam Rifles sustained bullet injuries, they said.

The injured were undergoing treatment in health centres. A team of high ranking police officers led by Director General of Police L L Doungel today left for the area to take stock of the situation.

PTI