At least three cadres were killed in a gunfight between the NSCN (IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui faction), commonly known as ZUF(J), at Taodaijang village in Manipur’s Noney district early this morning.
The exchange of fire reportedly broke out around 3.30 am in the Taodaijang area under Nungba Police Station, triggering tension among residents of the remote locality.
According to sources, the confrontation involved cadres of the two rival groups. While initial reports indicated four casualties, including three from one faction and one from the other, subsequent information from officials put the death toll at three. One other person was also reported to have sustained bullet injuries, although the details of the injured person remain unclear.
The bodies of the deceased were reportedly recovered by local residents following the gunfight.
Intermittent firing was reported in the area even after sunrise, raising fears of further escalation. In response, local residents, including women, went to the confrontation site in an effort to prevent further violence between the rival groups. They reportedly used a public address system to appeal to the cadres to stop firing.
Police and security personnel were unable to immediately reach the site during the initial hours of the incident. The remoteness of the area and security concerns reportedly delayed access to the confrontation site.
The circumstances leading to the gunfight, the identities of those killed and the exact number of casualties are yet to be officially established. The situation in the area remains tense.
