A gunfight broke out at Bitiang village in Manipur’s Noney district between two armed groups around 6:20 a.m. on Wednesday, police said.
Police said the incident reportedly occurred between two suspected Naga insurgent groups at Bitiang village, located about 45km north of Khoupum police station.
“The heavy exchange of gunfire continued for about 30 minutes, however there were no reports of casualties,” said a senior police officer. However, police said no case was registered.
People familiar with the matter said that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim- Isak- Muivah (NSCN-IM) faction and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) were involved in the incident.
ZUF is a Naga insurgent armed underground outfit and a signatory of the Cessation of Operation (CoO) pact signed in December 2022 with the Central and Manipur governments, agreeing to abandon violence and enter the democratic process while demanding territorial integration and a distinct homeland for the Zeliangrong people across Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
While, NSCN-IM is also a Naga political and armed insurgent group that operated under a long-standing ceasefire agreement with the Indian government. The group has been negotiating with the central government for greater autonomy and Naga sovereignty.