Manipur Gunfight Leaves One Dead, Five Injured
ZUF factions clash in remote Khumji area of Noney; security forces yet to reach site
- One person was reportedly killed and five injured in the clash.
- The gunfight involved two factions of the Zeliangrong United Front.
- The exchange of fire took place in a remote forested area.
- Security agencies are yet to issue an official account.
GG News Bureau
Imphal, 29th Aug: At least one person was killed and five others injured after a gunfight broke out between two factions of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) in Manipur’s Noney district, sources said.
The exchange of fire took place in the remote Khumji area between the JUF-Jenchui (ZUF-J) and JUF-Kamson (ZUF-K) factions of the ZUF.
Security forces have not yet reached the site due to the difficult terrain. Sources said the situation remains fluid and the casualty figures could change after security personnel reach the area and assess the incident.
Security agencies have so far not issued an official account of the confrontation.
The clash comes amid longstanding tensions and armed rivalry among Naga groups over influence and control in Zeliangrong-inhabited areas.
The confrontation also comes against the backdrop of rivalry between the NSCN-IM and ZUF, besides factional divisions within the ZUF. Similar armed confrontations have previously been reported in the Khoupum Valley and other Zeliangrong-inhabited areas of western Manipur.
The Zeliangrong United Front was formed in 2011 following a split involving former NSCN-IM cadres and later developed a political position centred on Zeliangrong community interests.
The ZUF has advocated the protection of Zeliangrong people, land and natural resources and has demanded the integration of Zeliangrong-inhabited areas under a single administrative framework.
