Security forces launch combing operations in Manipur's Noney district
More than 500 personnel are conducting identity checks following a gunfight that killed three people on Wednesday.
A joint team of Manipur Police and Central forces began a combing operation in the Nungba and Kekru Naga areas of Noney district on Thursday, according to The New Indian Express. The operation involves more than 500 personnel from the district police, CRPF, CoBRA, and Assam Rifles.
The search follows a gunfight on Wednesday at Taodaijang village in the Khoupum area that left three people dead and two others injured. Officials stated that the cordon-and-search operation began around 3.30 am to verify the identities of local residents.
The Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui) claimed that two of the deceased, identified as M Thaimei and G Kamson, were members of their outfit. The group alleged the clash involved the NSCN (IM), the NSCN-K (Niki Sumi), and the ZUF (Kamson faction).
The third person killed was identified as 22-year-old Aihung Khumba, a resident of Pungmon Chingchen village. His specific group affiliation was not immediately known. Police recovered the bodies and handed them to their families after post-mortem examinations at the Nungba community health centre.
Following the violence, local residents led by women went to the site to try and stop further fighting. A community-based organisation, the Rongmei Naga Luphuam, also used a public address system to appeal to the armed groups to end hostilities.