Nagaland: Gunmen injure NSCN (R) leader in Dimapur

Eastern Mirror Desk

Dimapur, Aug. 20: An NSCN (R) leader was injured when gunmen, alleged to be cadres from a rival group, opened fire at his residence in Thilixu village, 3rd Mile, Dimapur at around 5 pm on August 20.

The victim, ‘defence kilonser and UT-1 supervisor’ of the group, Khekato Kinny sustained bullet injuries on the leg, when the gunmen came in ‘three to four vehicles’ and opened fire, according to reliable sources.

The incident was confirmed to Eastern Mirror by the officer-in-charge of Diphupar Police Station. Other than confirming the incident, he declined to make any further statement as investigation is still going on.

In a condemnation issued later in the evening, the NSCN (R) pointed fingers at the NSCN (IM). According to the NSCN (R), the “assassination attempt” was led by ‘Col.’ Khehoto of Kichilimi village.

It stated that ‘Col.’ Khehoto came with his boys at around 5 pm and “fired without any regards and exception that Khekato was with his family and children.”

It wondered what was the reason behind the offensive action, “especially at the time when Nagas are yearning for peace and trying to hammer out a political solution with the government of India.”

When contacted, the NSCN (IM) Ministry of Information and Publicity declined to make any statement on the allegation.

The Western Sumi Hoho also condemned the recent incidents of killings and shooting amongst the various factions in Dimapur.

“In a time when the entire Naga people are yearning for peace and entering a crucial phase of our long Naga issue towards solution, these spates of killings and taking of lives amongst the cadres of different warring factions only show our narrow vision and belittles our own sacred cause,” read a press release from the organisation.

It expressed sadness over those “unfortunate incidents where precious lives are snatched away through the barrel of the gun.”

“The Hoho ask the Sumis in particular to shun all forms of violence and maintain peace now and in times to come. Nobody can bring peace to us but by us only and peace comes first only from within.  The Western Sumi Hoho, therefore, appeals to all maintain peace in these decisive times and shun all form of violence as gun culture will only create more divisions and hatred amongst us,” it stated.