EMN
Dimapur, September 11
There have been reports of gunfire exchange between FGN/ NNC (NA) cadres and Assam Rifles this afternoon near KT Colony in Tuensang district.
According to a statement issued by PRO Assam Rifles Kohima, about 3 p.m. a foot patrol of 23 Assam Rifles was carrying out road opening task from Tuensang to NAP Camp for movement of their vehicle convoy.
“As the leading soldiers reached the area of ‘road bend’ near KT Colony, Tuensang, they were fired upon from inside a house. The leading soldier immediately fired back which resulted in the neutralisation of one underground cadre. Further search of the house resulted in the apprehension of one more underground cadre and several civilians.”
The neutralised cadre was identified as SS Sergeant ChaangBushi Chang s/o Late Basumunghe Chang r/o Chingmei. The apprehended cadre was identified as SS Captain Piameren Chang, age 36 years, s/o Chuba Chang, r/o KT Colony Tuensang. Both the cadres belong to the faction FGN/ NNC (Non Accordist). Further questioning revealed that the group of underground cadres had come to the house to have illicit liquor and on seeing the Assam Rifles soldier they panicked and fired two rounds from their pistols. Two of the underground cadres who had fired managed to escape from the area. In addition seven more persons were apprehended from the liquor joint who were handed over to the police.
A police party under the Addl SP of Tuensang reached the spot of the incident where the apprehended persons and recoveries were handed over to the party in Situ. Inspite of being fired upon, the Assam Rifles soldiers remained calm and exercised restraint, and ensured that no other occupant of the house was harmed in any way, PRO said.
“It is unfortunate that the cadres of FGN/ NNC (NA) fired in panic upon the Assam Rifles soldier resulting in immediate retaliatory fire in defense.” Assam Rifles appealed to all the factions which have signed the ceasefire agreement with the government to dissuade their cadres from roaming in the public with unauthorised weapons. “A positive approach by all the stakeholders will contribute towards maintaining peace and harmony in the State.”
