Four killed in gunfight between rival armed groups in Manipur
A clash between Naga militant outfits in Noney district resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries on Wednesday.
At least four people were killed and several others injured during a gunfight between rival armed groups in Manipur's Noney district on Wednesday, according to The Hindu.
The exchange of fire occurred around 4 am at Taodaijang village in the Khoupum area. A district official said frequent firing prevented security forces from reaching the location immediately.
The groups involved included the Jenchui faction of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), the Kamson faction of the ZUF, and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah). The latter two groups are allies.
Locals reported that three of the deceased belonged to the ZUF (Jenchui) group and one was a member of the ZUF (Kamson) faction. Local residents recovered the bodies.
Following the violence, local women led a group to the site and used a loudspeaker to request the militants to cease their firing. The Rongmei Naga Luphuam, an apex women's body of the Rongmei community, also appealed to the armed groups to end the fighting.
In a separate development, the Committee on Tribal Unity, a Kuki-Zo organisation, extended its shutdown in Kangpokpi district by 48 hours on Wednesday. The protest concerns the abduction and killing of two Kuki youths.