Amidst conflicting reports coming in from Imphal Thursday, a news agency report claimed that six persons including four underground cadres were killed late Wednesday night supposedly after spat between NSCN (K) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) cadres that led to exchange of gun fire in Tamenglong district.

Quoting official sources in Imphal, the report also said that two civilians were also killed by stray bullets and that police forces from Imphal have rushed to the spot.

However, refuting agency reports, NSCN (K) source told Nagaland Post that three of its cadres were killed by “suspected NSCN (I-M) cadres”, Tuesday between 1a.m. to 2 a.m. at Haochong village in Tamenglong district.

The deceased NSCN (K) cadres have been identified as “captain” Aimpou alias Ainson, son of Nangjin, “private” Lunhchui son of Kaigonpou and “private” Ezekiel son of Thiuthai.

Denying their involvement with ZUF, NSCN (K) stated that its “people’s army formation” in the area were undergoing “structural changes” and that hectic preparation was on to launch a new combined formation i.e “mobile six”.

While denying its association with ZUF, NSCN (K) said that the reports of “fraternization” with any group/faction were completely “untrue”.  While condemning the killing of its cadres, NSCN (K) urged various Naga “underground groups” in the area to maintain “peaceful” atmosphere. However, details and identities about the other cadres reportedly killed could not be ascertained till the filing of this report.

NSCN (I-M) denies
When contacted, NSCN (I-M) sources completely denied involvement in the incident and stated that the firing was between NSCN (K) and ZUF as reported.

Meanwhile, the sources said that the villagers of Haochong have seized the arms of both NSCN (K) and ZUF for engaging in firing within the village jurisdiction.

NSCN (K) not aware
NSCN (K) MIP “kilonser”, Wangtin Naga while denying their association with ZUF said that the latter was not for “Naga sovereignty” and that it was “just a group of people” whose “issue or agenda” were not known by his group.  “NSCN (K) cannot be part of this group of people and we are not aware of their issue or agenda,” said Wangtin.

Imphal Correspondent Adds: Meanwhile, the two civilians reportedly killed in the incident included a woman. The deceased woman was identified as Nk. Meryjilu (55) and the other man has been identified as Nk. Kalungiba (70).

They were reportedly hit by stray bullets when they were asleep in their house located near the incident site. Apart from several bullet marks on the wall of the house, an unexploded bomb was also found inside the house of the deceased Nk. Meryjilu, sources said.

A team of Tamenglong district police led by its SP and accompanied by addl SP and OCs of Nungba and Noney police stations have rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation in the aftermath of the shootout. Police sources said the team after reaching the spot Thursday evening started investigation into the incident.