Fierce Gun Battle Erupts Between ZUF and NSCN-IM in Tamenglong

A fierce gun battle erupted on Thursday morning between cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) in the inter-village areas of Sangji and Dollang, under Khoupum police station in Manipur’s Noney district.

Police said the exchange of fire began around 8:30 AM when NSCN-IM militants approached the Sangji hills, where ZUF cadres had been stationed for a couple of days. The gunfight continued for several hours, ending around 11 AM.

While casualties on either side have yet to be confirmed, a joint team of state and central security forces has been deployed to the area and is currently conducting operations.

The ZUF and NSCN-IM are currently engaged in peace talks with the central government. However, the two groups appear to be vying for territorial dominance in the region.

Following the incident, villagers and civil society organizations from Sangji, Dollang, Dangei, and Longshi villages convened a joint meeting and passed a resolution declaring their area a “non-operation zone” for both militant groups.

The Rongmei Naga Council has strongly condemned the clash, urging all Naga political groups to prioritize peace, unity, and mutual respect.

The council called for efforts to foster understanding and harmony among the different communities in the region.

Meanwhile, several civil society organizations have condemned the ongoing standoff between the cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) at Sangji village in Manipur’s Tamenglong District.Northeast travel guideManipur tea A joint press communique signed by various civil organizations, including the RNPO, VCLA, RNCM, RNLPM, RNYOM, and village authorities of Sangji, Dollang, Lamdangei, Longsai, stated that the standoff has been going on since November 26 despite repeated appeals for an immediate end to the standoff. The various civil organizations had also appealed to the two warring parties not to engage in any activity that jeopardized civilians’ lives but to no avail, it added.

Strongly denouncing the standoff, the civil organizations condemned the indiscriminate firing by suspected NSCN-IM cadres in the vicinity of the village and cautioned that continued indulgence in provocative activities within the Naga brethren is against the public’s sentiment.   Further calling for an immediate end to the standoff, the civil bodies have demanded the cadres to vacate their current positions in Sangji village. The statement added that the public will resort to mass protests if the parties involved fail to provide an official commitment that respects the people’s interests.

Stressing further, the civil bodies urged the parties to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any acts resulting in loss of lives or subjecting people to intimidation. The statement then warned that any group initiating such a condition will be held responsible for the loss caused and dealt with as per the law of the land besides declaring non-cooperation against the group responsible for such eventualities.