Three killed in gunfight between armed groups in Manipur's Noney district
The clash involving suspected NSCN-IM and ZUF-J cadres occurred at Taodaijang 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) at Taodaijang in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday, according to the Hindustan Times.
Police officers stated the gunfight began around 3.30am, approximately 19km east of the Nungba police station. The deceased have been 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 Nungba community health centre, 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 officials confirmed no injuries occurred.
Naga-Kuki tensions intensified after twin ambushes on May 13 killed four people, including three church leaders. Those ambushes led to 48 people being taken hostage and triggered protests and blockades along three national highways.
Ethnic clashes in Manipur began between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023. The conflict has since involved almost every community, leaving at least 260 people dead and 60,000 displaced.