Three killed in gunfight between suspected armed groups in Manipur
The clash between suspected NSCN-IM and ZUF-J cadres occurred at Taodaijang in the Noney district on Wednesday morning.
At least three people were killed during a gunfight between suspected cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isaac Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front-Jenchui (ZUF-J) in Manipur's Noney district on Wednesday, according to the Hindustan Times.
Police officers said the gunfight began around 3.30am at Taodaijang, located approximately 19km east of the Nungba police station. The deceased were identified as 22-year-old Aihung Khumba, 25-year-old Meijanthui Thaimei, and 20-year-old Gainingam Kamei.
It is not yet known which armed group the deceased belonged to. Following autopsies at the community health centre in Nungba, the bodies were handed over to their families.
The Rongmei Naga Luphuam, a Rongmei Naga community and women’s organisation, used loudspeakers to appeal to the armed groups to cease hostilities. In a separate incident on Wednesday evening, unknown armed people opened fire at a passenger vehicle at TM Kasom in Ukhrul district, though no injuries were reported.
The state has seen intensified Naga-Kuki tensions following twin ambushes on May 13 that killed four people. Since ethnic clashes began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, at least 260 people have died and 60,000 have been displaced.