At least one person was dead and five others were injured after a gunfight erupted in Manipur’s Khumji area of Noney district between two Naga armed groups, with security forces yet to reach the location.
The exchange of fire happened in a remote jungle area, between JUF-Jenchui (ZUF-J) and JUF-Kamson (ZUF-K) factions of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF). The two groups are involved in longstanding tensions and armed rivalry among Naga groups over influence and control in Zeliangrong-inhabited areas. Security agencies are yet to issue an official account of the incident. The difficult terrain has made access challenging, with security agencies yet to reach the site.
Sources said the situation remains fluid and the death count could change as security personnel reach the area and assess the situation. The latest exchange of fire was taking place in a remote, forested stretch around Khumji, away from populated areas, sources said.
