Three suspected militants killed in Manipur gunfight between Naga groups
The exchange of fire in Noney district prevented security forces from reaching the site immediately, according to reports.
Three suspected militants were killed during a gunfight between rival Naga armed groups in Taodaijang village, Noney district, on Wednesday, according to Scroll. The clash began around 3:30 am or 4 am and lasted for several hours.
The groups involved included the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) Jenchui faction and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) Isak-Muivah. While some reports indicated four deaths, a senior police officer told Scroll that three suspected militants were killed. The Hindu reported that residents claimed one person killed was from the ZUF Kamson faction.
A district official stated that the continuous firing made it difficult for security personnel to access the area right away. Local residents, led by women, reportedly went to the site and used a public address system to request the cadres to stop the violence.
The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions in Manipur. Since the ethnic clashes began in May 2023, at least 310 people have been killed and 49 remain missing, according to information provided to the Assembly in September.
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 is over the government's failure to provide justice for two Kuki youths who were abducted and killed recently.