Three militants killed in gunfight between rival groups in Manipur
Locals used loudspeakers to appeal for an end to the violence in Noney district after the early morning clash.
At least three militants were killed and two others injured during a gunfight between rival groups in Manipur's Noney district on Wednesday, according to reports by Rediff, Bhaskar English, and The New Indian Express.
The heavy exchange of fire occurred around 4 am at Taodaijang village in the Khoupum area. The clash involved members of different Naga militant outfits, including the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui) and its rivals.
Locals recovered the bodies of three men from the site. The ZUF (Jenchui) claimed that two of the deceased, identified as M Thaimei and G Kamson, belonged to their outfit. The third individual, identified as Aihung Khumba from Pungmon Chingchen village, had an unknown affiliation.
The ZUF (Jenchui) alleged that the fighting involved the NSCN (IM), the ZUF (Kamson faction), and the NSCN-K (Niki Sumi).
Following the incident, villagers led by women went to the site to prevent more violence and used a public address system to ask the militants to stop firing. Some residents have moved to safer locations due to fears of further conflict.
The Rongmei Naga Lu Phuam organisation has appealed to the armed groups to end the fighting to ensure civilian safety. Police and security personnel are expected to investigate the incident to confirm the exact number of casualties.