Heavy exchange of gun fire between NSCN(IM) and ZUF cadres
Imphal: A heavy exchange of gun fire broke out between militants suspected to be cadres of ZUF and NSCN (IM) at Longsai Namdai village, Noney district under Khoupum police station this morning.
The gun battle broke out at around 8.40 am and it went on till 9.30 am, sources said.
Many houses and household properties of the village were damaged in the gun battle but there is no report of any injury on either side.
The gun battle broke out when people of Longsai Namdai and surrounding villages were gathering in Churches for Sunday prayer, said the sources.
As the gun battle raged on, many CSOs and womenfolk using loudspeakers appealed to both the rival militant groups to stop the battle.
After the exchange of fire ceased, CSO leaders and womenfolk held a meeting at the encounter site, said the sources.
Meanwhile, the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) which claims to be representing the voices of Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme tribesmen has vehemently condemned the shoot-out between NSCN (IM) and ZUF at Sangji village on November 28, 2024 .
This incident was a blatant disregard of the appeals and the mass rally organised by villagers and different organisations calling for peace and an end to the violence, said a press release issued by JTC convenor R Machundoubou.
“We are deeply disturbed by the disruption of public peace.
The people of Manipur have suffered enough due to the ongoing conflicts, and it is imperative that all parties involved work towards finding apeaceful solution”, it said.
The JTC urged all groups to respect the voices and aspirations of the people.
Categorically saying that no further bloodshed amongst brothers will be tolerated, the JTC asked all parties to cease hostilities immediately and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Sangji village and everyone affected by the incident.
“Let us work together to build a peaceful and harmonious Manipur where all communities can co-exist without fear of violence and intimidation”, it added.
