Manipur gunfight between two armed groups kill three

Imphal: Two cadres of Zeliangrong United Front (Jianchui Kamei) and one cadre of NSCN-IM were killed in a gunfight in Manipur.

According to sources, the gunfight occured on Sunday at around 7am near Lamdangmei Chiru’s village under the jurisdiction of Khoupum Police Station in Noney District, Manipur. The gunfight between the two-armed groups lasted for more than five minutes.

The two killed ZUF(J) cadres are identified as Kiakna from Luangchum Village in Noney district and Rachunglung from Jiribam district. The NSCN-IM cadre who was also killed in the fight is identified as Sergeant Major Ramreikan, alias Akan from Siroi Village, Ukhrul district.

A team of Manipur Police and Assam Rifles rushed to the site after the gunfight and recovered the bodies of the deceased. It was also reported that the NSCN-IM cadre was found seriously injured but succumbed later to his injuries.

Even if the two-armed groups NSCN (IM) and ZUF having Ceasefire and Cessation of Operation agreement with the Government of India, the two groups had clashed on multiple occasions.

On the other hand, a joint consultative meeting of the Civil Societies Organisations of Zeliangrong community was held at Imphal and dwelt on the prevailing situation in the State of Manipur vis-a-vis Zeliangrong people’s situation and position.

The meeting was attended by leaders of different Civil Societies Organisations namely Zeliangrong Union, Zeliangrong Baudi, Rongmei Naga People’s Organisation, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, Zeliangrong Youth Front, Rongmei Naga Student’s Organisation Manipur, Zeliangrong United Committee Manipur Valley, Kabui Mother’s Association, social workers and activists, intellectuals, former Organisations leaders, representatives and elders of villages.

During the meeting many speakers including prominent leaders shared their valuable thoughts in the meeting and unanimously condemned the frequent gun fight occurring between the two-armed groups NSCN (IM) and ZUF in Zeliangrong territory.

The meeting also demanded necessary ex-gratia and other compensatory benefits as per relevant provision and rules should be given for the loss of precious lives claiming that it has happened due to mishandling, inefficiency and dealing ineffectiveness on the part of the Govt of India.

The meeting strongly urged all armed groups to hear the voice of the people and respect the sentiment and interest of the people and stop killing among Nagas and shun any form of violent means for the betterment of future’s posterity of the people.