Armed Clash Erupts Between ZUF and NSCN in Manipur

Imphal: Gunfire rang out in Kaiphundai village at 5:30 am Friday. Suspected NSCN (IM) cadres ambushed a Zeliangrong United Front (JK) hideout in Manipur's Tamenglong district. The firefight lasted 30 minutes. Panic gripped the locals. Residents abandoned their homes to find safety as bullets flew near the Tousem Police Station area.

Authorities confirmed no injuries or deaths occurred during the exchange. A combined force of state police and central troops moved in quickly to secure the site. The battle forced a complete shutdown of traffic on the Imphal-Jiribam Highway for most of the day.

The ZUF issued a sharp statement condemning the assault. They accused the NSCN (IM) of pushing a war-like climate to intimidate civilians and control regional resources. The group claimed, "no political objective justifies violence against fellow indigenous people" and vowed to maintain defensive positions to protect the community. Local officials are monitoring the situation as security remains tight across the district.