Reported by
Imphal: A fierce gunfight broke out between suspected cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (JK) and the NSCN (IM) at around 5:30 am on Friday in Kaiphundai village under Tousem Police Station in Manipur’s Tamenglong district.
According to local and official sources, the clash began when suspected NSCN (IM) cadres allegedly launched an ambush on a ZUF (JK) hideout, triggering an exchange of fire that lasted for about 30 minutes.
The sudden outbreak of violence caused panic among residents, forcing them to flee their homes for safer areas. No injuries or casualties have been reported from either side.
In response to the incident, a combined team of state police and central armed forces was swiftly deployed to the area to restore security.
The gunfight also disrupted vehicular movement along the Imphal-Jiribam Highway until the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong United Front, in a press statement, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a disregard for human life and a threat to communal harmony.
Expressing concern over the volatile situation in Manipur, the ZUF accused the NSCN (IM) of creating a war-like atmosphere in public places, resulting in fear and insecurity among the public.
The organisation further alleged that such aggressive actions are anti-people and driven by an ideology aimed at projecting power, controlling local narratives, and exploiting the resources of the Zeliangrong region.
The ZUF said no political objective justifies violence against fellow indigenous people and called for public unity in rejecting conflict.
It also assured the public of its continued commitment to taking defensive measures to restore peace, normalcy, and social development.