Noney gunfight between cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui faction), or ZUF(J), and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) has reportedly left four people dead and another injured in Manipur’s Noney district. The armed confrontation broke out early on Wednesday, November 4, raising fresh concerns over continuing clashes between the two underground groups in the region.
According to preliminary reports, the exchange of fire took place at around 3.30 am in Taodaijang village under the jurisdiction of Nungba Police Station. The incident reportedly involved suspected members of both organisations, although the precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain unclear.
Sources indicated that four cadres were killed during the gunfight, with the casualties reportedly including one person from one side and three from the other. Another individual was also reported to have sustained injuries.
However, the reported casualties and identities of those involved had not been officially confirmed by the authorities at the time of reporting.
Noney Gunfight Raises Fresh Security Concerns
The latest confrontation has once again brought attention to the security situation in Noney district, where armed clashes involving different underground organisations have repeatedly disrupted normal life.
According to initial accounts, the gunfight erupted in the early hours, when suspected cadres of ZUF(J) and NSCN-IM exchanged fire in the Taodaijang area. The incident reportedly resulted in multiple casualties on both sides.
Sources further indicated that firing continued in the area even after the initial exchange, creating concerns about a possible escalation of violence.
The situation remained uncertain as police personnel had reportedly not been able to reach the exact location of the confrontation when the initial reports emerged.
The absence of immediate access to the site also complicated efforts to establish the number of casualties, identify the deceased and determine the sequence of events that led to the violence.
Authorities are expected to ascertain further details as security personnel assess the situation.
Taodaijang Has Witnessed Previous Armed Clashes
The latest Noney gunfight comes against the backdrop of repeated confrontations between ZUF(J) and NSCN-IM in and around Taodaijang.
On October 6, a woman was injured when the two groups reportedly exchanged fire at Taodaijang Bunruang village, approximately 19 kilometres east of Nungba Police Station.
The injured woman, identified as Ganchuiliu Kamei, 36, sustained a gunshot wound to her thigh. Her condition was reported to be stable following the incident.
According to reports at the time, NSCN-IM cadres allegedly attacked a bunker belonging to ZUF(J), triggering the exchange of fire. Police personnel subsequently visited the area to assess the situation.
Another confrontation between the two organisations was reported on March 9 at Taodaijang village under Khoupum Police Station. The gunfight reportedly lasted around an hour, forcing several villagers to flee their homes and seek shelter in safer locations.
Although no casualties were reported during that particular incident, reports indicated that gunfire and explosions damaged three residential houses.
These repeated incidents have highlighted the continuing tensions between the two groups and the difficulties faced by residents living in areas affected by armed activity.
Civilian Safety Remains a Major Concern
The latest violence has renewed concerns about the safety of civilians in Noney, particularly those living in and around villages where armed confrontations have occurred.
Residents in conflict-affected areas often face uncertainty during sudden exchanges of gunfire, with the possibility of stray bullets, explosions and movement restrictions creating additional risks.
Previous incidents in Taodaijang have demonstrated how clashes between armed groups can force villagers to abandon their homes temporarily.
The reported continuation of firing following Wednesday’s confrontation has further increased concerns about the possibility of fresh violence.
The situation also underlines the importance of timely security intervention, effective coordination among law enforcement agencies and measures to prevent armed confrontations from affecting civilian settlements.
Authorities Yet to Confirm Casualties and Circumstances
Several important details surrounding Wednesday’s incident remain unverified. These include the identities and organisational affiliations of the deceased, the identity of the injured person and the immediate trigger behind the confrontation.
There has also been no confirmed account explaining whether the exchange of fire was the result of a planned attack, a sudden confrontation or an escalation of existing tensions between the groups.
The Noney gunfight is another reminder of the fragile security environment in parts of Manipur, where recurring armed confrontations continue to raise concerns among local communities.
As authorities work to establish the facts, attention remains focused on the situation in Taodaijang and the possibility of further escalation. Ensuring civilian safety, preventing additional bloodshed and restoring normalcy in the affected villages will remain immediate priorities.
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