Three killed in gunfight between suspected militant groups in Manipur's Noney district
The exchange of fire between suspected NSCN-IM and ZUF-J cadres occurred at Taodaijang village early on Wednesday.
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.
The exchange of fire reportedly began around 3.30 am or 4 am at Taodaijang, which is about 19km east of the Nungba police station. The deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Aihung Khumba from Pungmol, 25-year-old Meijanthui Thaimei from Gangluan Part IV, and 20-year-old Gainingam Kamei from Awangkhul.
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.
In the aftermath, the Rongmei Naga Luphuam, a Rongmei Naga community and women’s organisation, used loudspeakers to appeal to the armed groups to cease hostilities. Local residents, led by women, also went to the spot to prevent further violence.
In a separate incident on Wednesday evening, unknown armed people opened fire towards a passenger vehicle at TM Kasom in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in that incident.
The state has seen intensified Naga-Kuki tensions following ambushes on May 13. Ethnic clashes in Manipur began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, leaving at least 260 people dead and displacing 60,000.