DIMAPUR, December 3 (Newmai News Network): Two cadres of the NSCN-Khole/Kitovi have been killed by cadres of rival NSCN-Khaplang group in the heart of Dimapur today.
There have been varied stories coming in with regard to the cirscumstances that had led to the killing of the NSCN-Khole/Kitovi cadres late this morning.
Intelligence sources informed Newmai News Network this evening that the two cadres of NSCN-Khole/Kitovi were `chatting with shopkeepers` at Murgi Patti area in the heart of Dimapur market when the cadres of NSCN-K came and shot them. However, NSCN-K sources said it was purely a factional clash.
The incident happened at around 11:30 am. The deceased have been identified as 2nd lieutenant Sheye Konyak and sergeant major Wochamo Lotha.
Sheye Konyak died on the spot while Wochamo Lotha succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Dimapur shortly after he was admitted.
A separate report said the motor bike used by the NSCN-K cadres was recovered by the NSCN-Khole/Kitovi group minutes after the incident from the spot.
Meanwhile, following today`s incident the situation is quite tense the Nagaland commercial hub.
Today`s incident had spoilt the pre-Christmas festivity activities in Dimapur whose commercial hub, otherwise has been in the festive mood with series of advent Christmas parties underway since December 1. Stars and Santa Clauses have been put up but the undying factional clashes meant a spoil-sport to the cheering Christmas mood.
Nagaland, with the seven-day long Hornbill Festival, tagged as the festival of festival in the state has been in full swing in the state capital since December 1 but the insurgency related violence has been playing hiccups to the glowing festive ambience.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in all the sensitive areas where factional clashes are prone. Reports have also said that more factional clashes will occur in the days to come.
Not long ago, three NSCN-K cadres have been killed by the rival NSCN-Khole/Kitovi in Dimapur in the factional clash.