Imphal: More than 500 security personnel launched an extensive cordon-and-search operation in Manipur’s Noney district early Thursday following a deadly gunfight between suspected members of rival Naga armed organisations that left three people dead and two others injured.

The joint operation began around 3.30 am in the Taodaijang and Kekru Naga villages in Noney, involving personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and Assam Rifles. Security forces were verifying the identities of residents as the operation continued through the day.

The search operation follow a gunfight at Taodaijang village on Wednesday. Police said the exchange of fire began around 1.55 am, approximately 19 km east of Nungba Police Station, between the rival factions.

The involvement of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN (IM)] and the Jenchui faction of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-J) is suspected. The NSCN (IM), however, has not issued a statement on the incident.

Three bodies were subsequently recovered from the site by local residents, while two others were reportedly injured.

The ZUF-Jenchui faction identified two of the deceased as its members, M. Thaimei and G. Kamson. The outfit alleged that its cadres had been engaged in a confrontation with a combined force comprising the NSCN (IM), the Kamson faction of the ZUF (ZUF-K) and the NSCN-K (Niki Sumi). However, these claims had not been independently verified.

The third deceased was identified as Aihung Khumba, a resident of Pungmon Chingchen village. His affiliation with any armed organisation was not immediately established.

During Wednesday’s violence, local residents and women’s organisations reportedly intervened in an attempt to prevent further casualties. They appealed to the armed groups to stop the exchange of fire.

Meanwhile, the security operations have drawn allegations of theft and looting following an earlier combing exercise in Kangpokpi district.

The Chingdai Area Core Committee (CACCO), which represents the Saikul sub-division, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF and CoBRA, demanding the return of cash and civilian belongings allegedly taken during a combing operation at S. Phailengkot village on October 20.

The committee alleged that security personnel took Rs 40,000 in cash, livestock, solar equipment, tools and mobile accessories from residents during the operation.

Condemning the alleged incident, CACCO demanded that the missing cash and belongings be returned by November 4. It warned that failure to comply would prompt it to file formal criminal complaints against the personnel involved and their commanding officers.

The allegations have added to tensions surrounding security operations in the state, which has been marred by ethnic violence since 2023, even as forces intensify searches following the deadly clash in Noney district.