A suspected National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) rebel was killed in a gunfight on Thursday with cadres of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) Khoupum sub-division under Noney district of Manipur.
Police sources said the incident occurred around 11:20 am in between Taosang and Lubanglong village under Khoupum police station, The Indian Express reported.
The exchange of fire reportedly lasted for about half an hour resulting in the death of a cadre of the NSCN-IM. Police have recovered the body of the deceased militant from the encounter site.
The deceased is believed to be one Abam Zeme from North Cachar Hills, Assam, a self-proclaimed corporal of the NSCN-IM.
On November 18 evening, similar exchange of fire had taken place between the two outfits in Toudaijang village of Khoupum area wherein two suspected cadres of the NSCN-IM was reportedly injured.
The ZUF is a breakaway group of the NSCN-IM formed in 2011 with the objective to protect the natural resources, land and people besides promoting fraternity and to preserve the unity and integrity of Zeliangrong communities and its sub-tribes.