Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 10
In a late report reaching here, the NSCN (K) cadres and Assam Rifles personnel were said to have involved in an exchange of heavy firing this evening between Phokhungri and Avangkhu, under Meluri sub-division of Phek district.
Talking to Eastern Mirror, the ADC Meluri confirmed that the firing incident took place at around 4.30 to 5 pm. He, however, informed that no casualty was reported.
The ADC further informed that he has deputed the EAC Phokhungri Hqs to the spot to get the details. The EAC Phokhungri could not be contacted due to poor network connectivity.
According to Pochury Hoho president Penthu Pochury, the firing occurred when the army personnel went patrolling to that area. It may be mentioned that Avangkhu is the last Pochury village bordering Myanmar and the village is 134 (aprox) km away from Meluri, whereas Phokhungri is 122 km away from Meluri town.
Penthu also confirmed that the firing took place between Phokhungri and Avangkhu villages.According to sources, there were 10 army vehicles which went patrolling to that area. The vehicles have reportedly returned to Phokhungri, but the army personnel are yet to arrive, sources said adding that some army personnel are still in the jungles of Avangkhu.
Sources even said that the army personnel went as far as Avangkhu and blank fired to scare the NSCN (K) cadres. According to one of the villagers, it was NSCN (K) cadres who fired first against the army patrolling team, but this couldn’t be confirmed.
