Locals used loudspeakers to appeal for an end to the firing in Noney district after the clash occurred in Taodaijang village.
At least three militants were killed during a gunfight between rival Naga militant groups in Manipur's Noney district around 4 am on Wednesday, according to reports by Bhaskar English, The New Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle.
The exchange of fire took place in Taodaijang village within the Khoupum area. The groups involved are suspected to include the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui) and a rival faction.
Villagers recovered the bodies of the deceased. Following the incident, local residents, including women, reached the site and used a public address system to appeal to the armed groups to stop the firing.
The Rongmei Naga Lu Phuam organisation appealed to both groups to end the fighting and maintain peace, stating that the continued exchange of fire raised concerns regarding civilian safety.
Due to fears of further violence, some residents have begun leaving their homes to move to safer locations. Intermittent firing has reportedly continued, making the evacuation of villagers a priority.
Police and security personnel are expected to reach the spot to conduct an investigation and ascertain the exact number of casualties and the identities of those killed.
