Three suspected militants were killed in a gunfight between rival Naga groups in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday, a senior police officer told Scroll. Earlier reports had put the death toll at four.
The exchange of fire began around 3.30 am in Taodaijang village, in the Khoupum area, and continued for several hours. Security personnel were initially unable to reach the site because of the heavy firing, The Hindu reported, quoting an unidentified district official.
The clash reportedly involved cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front’s Jenchui faction (ZUF-J) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM). However, accounts of the identities of those killed differed. While NDTV reported that the dead belonged to ZUF-J and NSCN-IM, The Hindu quoted residents as saying that one of the deceased was from the Kamson faction of the ZUF.
Several people were also injured in the gunfight, according to reports. The exact circumstances that led to the confrontation remain unclear.
Villagers flee as firing continues
The gunfight triggered panic in the area, with several residents leaving their homes and moving to safer locations to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
Villagers reportedly used loudspeakers to warn people and urge the armed groups to stop firing. Local residents, including women, also went to the spot in an attempt to prevent further violence.
The Rongmei Naga Luphuam, Nungba Area, has appealed to the armed groups to end hostilities and allow peace to prevail.
Taodaijang village is located in Nungba subdivision, along the Old Cachar Road towards Khoupum, and falls under Rengpang police station.
Manipur continues to face ethnic tensions
The incident comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, where ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in May 2023. Tensions between Kuki and Naga communities have also escalated in the state since February.
According to figures presented in the Manipur Assembly in September, at least 310 people have been killed and 49 remain missing since the violence began in 2023. Around 60,000 people were displaced. Of these, 36,000 had been resettled, while 24,000 remained in relief camps across the state.
