DIMAPUR, Aug 20 - Even as the NSCN-K claimed that the Naga army cadres gunned down five-six Indian Army commandos in heavy exchange of fire that took place in the wee hours on Friday, police and district administration sources said there was no report of any casualty on either side. The incident happened near Thorloi, a Konyak village, located inside Myanmar.
In a press statement, the NSCN-K has claimed that the Naga army cadres gunned down five-six Indian army commandos in heavy exchange of fire from 3.30 am to 6 am.
According to reports, the incident took place at around 3.30 am yesterday when security forces reportedly crossed the international border some 2.5 kms from border pillar No. 151 located at Chenmoho village and launched an attack on the outpost of the NSCN -K. The exchange of fire lasted for nearly three hours.
The NSCK release said its cadres manning the forward security post thwarted the attack by the 12 Para Commandos of Indian Army after they intruded into Naga Myanmar area.
The commandos tried to launch an attack after walking one-and-a-half hour into Naga Myanmar area after crossing Thorloi, the first border village well inside Naga Myanmar.
However, the NSCN-K said the Naga army first spotted the commandos and fired upon the advancing team, killing five to six of them, the release stated. It further claimed that the commandos tried to regroup to counter attack but were forced to retreat. The NSCN-K also claimed that the retreating commandos carried the casualties and injured on foot till the border.
Meanwhile, according to reports, Military Intelligence sources refuted NSCN-K claim that around five Para Commandos were gunned down. There were also reports of reinforcement sent to the area from both the NSCN-K and Indian army side. Further details are awaited.
PTI adds: Defence sources said the encounter took place early last morning in Mon district bordering Myanmar and there was no report of any casualty.
They said the militants who were trying to enter into the country went back leaving behind many of the weapons including AK-47 rifle and other ammunition.