Imphal: One Naga Village Guard (NVG) was killed and four others, including two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, were injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and armed village guards in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday morning.
According to reports, the incident took place at around 8 am during a joint operation by CoBRA commandos and CRPF personnel at an alleged Naga village volunteer camp in Lavo (also spelt Laho) village under the jurisdiction of Noney Police Station.
The gunfight reportedly lasted for nearly 30 minutes. During the exchange, one NVG was killed at the scene while two other village guards sustained injuries.
The deceased was identified as Lianbilung Liangmei (22), son of Kadirang Liangmei and a resident of Noney Bazar. Reports said he suffered multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot.
Two personnel of the 186th Battalion of the CRPF, Head Constable Radheshyam and Constable Jitendrakumar, also sustained injuries during the operation.
The identities of the injured village guards have not been disclosed, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
Following the incident, additional security personnel were deployed to the area, and an extensive search operation has been launched to trace village guards reportedly possessing unauthorised arms and ammunition.
Authorities are yet to issue a detailed statement, and further information is awaited.