The gunfight on Wednesday in Noney district of Manipur between two contending Naga armed groups resulted in the death of four militants and creating a panic situation in the area, prompting several villagers to flee their homes.
Of those who died, three were members of the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui faction), dubbed ZUF(J), and one, “was associated with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, or NSCN-IM,” police sources said.
This clash occurred at Taodaizing village in Nungba Sub-Division.
Villagers Flee Amid Heavy Firing
People were reportedly evacuating their homes to safer places for fear of being hit in the crossfire.
According to villagers, heavy and continuous firing was heard in the area for several hours. There was reportedly gunfire after the opening exchange.
Villagers alerted other citizens to the violence through their loudspeakers, and they asked people to leave the area.
Taodaizing village is situated along the Old Cachar Road to Khoupum and under the jurisdiction of Rengpang Police Station.
Appeal for Peace Amid Rising Tension
The Rongmeis fear because the violence is continuing in the Nungba Area, Rongmei Naga Luphuam has appealed to the armed groups to bring peace to the people.
There was a suspicion that each involved cadres of Naga militant group ZUF(J) and NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Naga) in the confrontation.
Previous conflicts among competing armed groups in the region have been attributed to territorial disputes and control and the establishment of influence.
More details of the events are awaited as to why the last gunfight happened and what the overall security situation is like in the area.