Local Residents Appeal for an End to Violence

At least three militants were killed and two others sustained injuries during an armed confrontation between rival groups in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday. The incident took place around 4 am at Taodaijang village in the Khoupum area, according to officials.

The exchange of gunfire reportedly involved members suspected to belong to different Naga militant organisations, including the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui) and rival factions. Following the incident, local residents recovered the bodies of three men from the site.

The ZUF (Jenchui) claimed that two of those killed were its members, identifying them as M Thaimei and G Kamson. The organisation alleged that the confrontation involved the NSCN (IM), ZUF (Kamson faction) and NSCN-K (Niki Sumi). The third deceased was identified as Aihung Khumba, a resident of Pungmon Chingchen village. His organisational affiliation remained unknown.

Following the gunfight, local residents, including a large number of women, visited the area and appealed to the armed cadres to prevent further violence. They also used a public address system to urge the groups to stop firing.

Meanwhile, a separate firing incident was reported in Ukhrul district. A convoy travelling from Imphal towards Ukhrul along National Highway 202 came under repeated gunfire between Leingangching and T M Kasom around 4.45 pm. Officials confirmed that nobody was injured in the incident.