GUWAHATI, July 31; Four jawans were killed and 13 others injured in two separate incidents of violence in Nagaland during the past 24 hours, even as Nagaland prepared for cease-fire for three months which comes into effect from tomorrow.

While the NSCN (I-M) is looking for a political solution to the Naga issue, the other faction headed by S S Khaplang has described the move as a farce.

But the most intriguing part of the cease-fire agreement is that it refers only to Nagaland, as stated by both Prime Minister I K Gujral and NSCN (I-M) chairman Issak Chishi Swu, though the rebel group has more influence in Manipur than in Nagaland.

The NSCN (I-M) consists mostly of Tangkhul Nagas who are in a majority in the hills of Manipur. It's influence inside Nagaland is restricted to three or four districts.

The Khaplang faction is more active in Nagaland and virtually holds sway over Dimapur, the business hub of the State and the entry point for both Nagaland and Manipur.

Violent incidents have been reported in Nagaland since last night, with intelligence agencies believing that it is a sign of things to come as the cease-fire takes effect.

At least four security personnel were killed in two separate incidents, including an ambush near Dimapur in Nagaland, since last evening, leaving 15 injured.

The atmosphere is tense because of the sworn enmity between the two Naga factions. The NSCN (K) has already launched a tirade against the other faction by calling it a ``gang'' rather than revolutionaries.

There is, however, no chance of clashes between the two factions inside Manipur because the Khaplang group has no existence in that State. The United Liberation Front of Assam has adopted a wait-and-watch policy. ``We are not under any pressure or influence of the NSCN (I-M),'' declared Paresh Barua, chief of ULFA's armed wing, reacting to speculative reports in a section of the Press that the Assam militants would follow suit now that the largest armed rebel group had agreed to a cease-fire.

The NSCN (K) group, however, sees the move as a ploy by the Government to keep the Nagas divided. ``The Govt knows that the NSCN (I-M) leaders are opposed to our efforts to unite all the Naga tribes,'' a spokesman of the Khaplang group here today.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.