1 killed in factional clash at Dimapur

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, OCT 19 (NPN) : A functionary of the Niki-led NSCN (K) was killed in a clash with GPRN/NSCN cadres on Sunday midnight near GPRN/NSCN Khehoi designated camp.

The deceased was identified as Atoka Kinny of Aichisaghe, additional secretary, central secretariat of the Niki-led NSCN (K).

Police informed that the clash reportedly erupted on Sunday midnight near Khehoi designated camp of the GPRN/NSCN.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur Rhothihu Tetseo, told Nagaland Post that a police team led by one ACP rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the gunfight at around 12.40 a.m.

Police retrieved one dead body from the area and later handed it to family members after completing all legal formalities.

It was learnt that one of Niki’s cadre, who managed to escape, was reportedly under police custody. While one was reportedly detained by GPRN/NSCN cadres, the whereabouts of the fourth cadre was still unknown. A suo moto case has been registered at Nuiland police station and investigation was on, police said while refusing to give any further details till investigation was over.

Meanwhile, the body of Atoka was taken to Padampukhuri cease-fire office of the Niki group, where a “home going” programme was held and after which the body was taken to late Atoka’s native village.

There were conflicting reports about the incident, with both sides making allegations and counter-allegations.
SH condemns defections; slams factional clash
DIMAPUR, OCT 18 (NPN): Sumi Hoho (SH), the apex body of the Sumi community, has strongly condemned the factional clash between cadres of NSCN (U) and NSCN (K) Niki group in Dimapur near Khehoyi camp, that claimed the life of one NSCN (K) functionary on Sunday night. In a statement, Sumi Hoho president Nikheto Jimomi and general secretary Dr Vihuto Asumi also condemned functionaries of different Naga Political Groups (NPGs) who keep defecting from one group to another, thereby creating unnecessary misunderstandings among the groups.
When every section of the Nagas was eagerly yearning and anticipating a peaceful solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political issue at the earliest possible time, the hoho said such a situation was uncalled for and condemnable.
SH urged upon all NPGs to refrain from creating a situation that would be detrimental to the peace process and against people’s desires and wishes.
It was high time that the groups heeded to the call the people for peace and early solution.

Niki-led NSCN (K) questions motive behind killing
Niki-led NSCN (K) has questioned the motive behind the killing of its member Atoka Kinimi “at this juncture when all Nagas are yearning for peace.”
Acknowledging the “selfless sacrifices” of all the “Naga patriots”, who worked under NSCN (K) and NSCN (I-M) prior to the formation of various Naga political groups, the group through its MIP, however, alleged that from inception “the formation of GPRN/NSCN was and is still based on ceasefire perks and benefits; having seen not a day of sacrifice for the Naga nation as an organisation, has continually followed the mantra of fratricidal acts among Naga brethren, believing that to be their sacrifice to our Nation.”
Seeking to highlight “some of their insidious acts perpetrated on fellow Nagas to garner prominence and instil fear psychosis”, the group said its then secretary Ghukato Assumi was brutally gunned down in the heart of Zunheboto town triggering the conflict between the two groups.
It claimed that GPRN/NSCN at one point in time agreed to cooperate with the demands made by NSCN (I-M) to the Government of India, but backtracked on their decision. It said when they formed the NNPGs, “Maj.” Toishe of NSCN (I-M) was murdered in Dimapur and “thus the conflict with NSCN (I-M) ensued as if the NSCN (I-M) could give the NNPGs’ desired solution.”
Further, the group said that NNPGs have been “making a hue and cry” claiming that the negotiations were over “even before NSCN/GPRN revived its ceasefire agreement”.
However, ever since it revived the ceasefire agreement, Niki-led NSCN (K) said the NNPGs have “somehow started to believe that NSCN/GPRN can grant them solution by brutally gunning down our Addl. Secretary Atoka Kinimi and also spreading malicious propaganda of our government to achieve their solution.”
The group said it would “very much welcome” if NNPGs could come up with constructive suggestions for strengthening the Naga political talks rather than “destructive criticisms”.
Asserting that fratricidal acts among the groups would not benefit the Naga political talks in any way, the group said it has, therefore, left it to the wisdom of the Naga people to introspect profoundly on the events that have transpired since it has decided to give peace a chance heading to the call of Nagas to end bloodshed.
Reaffirming its stand for peace, Niki-led NSCN(K) said Naga unity and Nagas people’s aspirations towards an inclusive and amicable political solution were its “ideology and guiding principle.”

Condolence: Meanwhile, the group has mourned the death of Atoka Kinny of Aichisaghe, whose “youthful life”, it said was “abruptly cut short in the hands of adversaries on the unfortunate night” of October 17, 2021.
MIP said late Atoka who joined “national service” in 2007 and dedicated his life to the cause of the Naga people. It said he never faltered in his determination and “selflessly served the nation till his last breath.”
The group said that his bravery and supreme sacrifice made by him would be recorded in the annals of Naga history.
In his death, it said Nagas have lost a brave and energetic Naga nationalist, adding that the void created by his demise would be hard to fill for a long time to come.
NSCN (K) conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members and prayed that God grant them strength and courage to “overcome the bitter loss.”

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/1-killed-in-factional-clash-at-dimapur/242577.html