Three suspected militants killed in Manipur gunfight
The exchange of fire between rival Naga groups occurred early Wednesday in the Noney district of Manipur.
At least three suspected militants were killed during a gunfight between rival Naga groups in Manipur's Noney district on Wednesday, according to reports by Scroll and The New Indian Express.
The clash began around 3:30 am or 4 am in Taodaijang village within the Khoupum area. The exchange of fire lasted for several hours and prevented security forces from reaching the location immediately, an unidentified district official told The Hindu.
The deceased are suspected to belong to the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui faction) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah). However, residents told The Hindu that one of the deceased was from the Kamson faction of the Zeliangrong United Front.
Local residents, including a group led by women, went to the site to stop further violence. They reportedly used a loudspeaker to request that the armed cadres cease their firing.
The incident follows ethnic clashes in Manipur that began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities. Tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities have also increased in the state since February.
According to information provided to the Assembly in September, at least 310 people have been killed and 49 are missing since the start of the clashes. Approximately 60,000 people were displaced, with 24,000 still residing in relief camps.