Imphal: Four cadres were killed and several others injured in an exchange of gunfire between rival insurgent groups in a remote village of Manipur early Wednesday.
The gunfight began around 3:30 am in Taodaijang (Buanruang) village under Nungba Police Station and continued for several hours.
Initial reports said the gunfight involved armed cadres of the Jenchui faction of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-J), the Kamson faction of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-K) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).
Firing continued for several hours, preventing security personnel from immediately reaching the area.
Local sources said three of those killed belonged to ZUF-J, while the fourth was a ZUF-K cadre. Several cadres from ZUF-J, ZUF-K and NSCN-IM were also injured.
Security officials said police personnel had not reached the site by the time the initial reports emerged. The situation in the area remained unclear.
Officials said the circumstances that led to the gunfight, the identities of those killed and the exact number of injured were yet to be officially confirmed.
Following the incident, community leaders of the Rongmei Naga Luphuam in the Nungba area appealed to all the armed groups to stop the fighting.
The organisation urged the factions to end the violence and allow peace to return to the community.