Tensions escalated in Manipur’s Noney district after suspected clashes between two factions of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) left two people dead and six injured over the past 24 hours.
Fresh gunfire was reported around 6 am on Saturday between Nungtek Part II and Haochong, about five kilometres northeast of the Noney district headquarters. Officials suspect the firing involved cadres of the ZUF-Jenchui and ZUF-Kamson factions.
Security forces later confirmed that one ZUF-Jenchui cadre was killed and six others were injured in the exchange of fire. The deceased was identified as Jangailung, 29, who was described as a self-styled second lieutenant of the outfit.
The injured were evacuated and taken to hospitals in Imphal for treatment.
Second clash within 24 hours
Saturday's gunfight came just a day after another clash involving the same two factions at Oktan village under Haochong subdivision.
According to police, the earlier incident took place between around 3:30 pm and 4 pm on Friday. One suspected ZUF-Kamson cadre was killed after sustaining bullet injuries. He was identified as Dingtiplung Gonmei, alias Nguiba Gonmei, who was described as a self-styled chief secretary of the faction.
The back-to-back incidents have heightened concerns about a possible escalation of factional violence in the Noney-Haochong region.
Security concerns hamper access
Following reports of the fresh firing, local Meira Paibi women volunteers and police personnel reportedly attempted to reach the affected area. However, security concerns prevented them from immediately accessing the site.
Officials said the latest exchange of fire involved heavy gunfire and explosives.
There has been no official statement from either faction regarding the clashes.
ZUF under peace agreement
The Zeliangrong United Front is an armed underground organisation operating under a tripartite Cessation of Operations (CoO) agreement with the Government of India and the Manipur government.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi in December 2022, with a Joint Monitoring Group established to oversee compliance with the agreed ground rules.
The latest violence has raised fresh questions over adherence to the ceasefire framework and the possibility of further clashes between rival factions.
