Three militants killed in Manipur factional gunfight
Rival Naga groups clashed in Noney district on Wednesday morning, prompting locals to use loudspeakers to request an end to the gunfire.
At least three militants were killed and others injured during a gunfight between rival Naga groups in Manipur's Noney district on Wednesday, according to reports from Rediff, Bhaskar English and The Times of India.
The clash occurred around 4 am at Taodaijang village in the Khoupum area. The fighting involved the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) Jenchui faction and a combined group consisting of the ZUF Kamson faction and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).
The ZUF Jenchui faction identified two of the deceased as M Thaimei and G Kamson. A third person, Aihung Khumba, was also identified as dead, though his specific affiliation was not immediately confirmed.
Following the exchange of fire, local residents, including women, went to the site and used loudspeakers to urge the armed groups to stop shooting. The Rongmei Naga Lu Phuam organisation also called for peace, expressing concern for civilian safety.
In a separate incident at approximately 4.45 pm, suspected militants opened fire on passenger and goods vehicles on the Imphal-Ukhrul road in Ukhrul district. No injuries were reported in that encounter.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has directed security agencies to identify armed groups involved in recent violence. He warned that the government may declare such groups unlawful if they are found to be targeting civilians.