Armed Clashes Erupt Between NSCN-IM and ZUF in Manipur

Imphal: Armed militants traded gunfire on June 26 along NH-37 in Manipur. The clash broke out near Kaiphundai village in Tamenglong district. No one died. Still, local residents fled their homes to escape the crossfire.

NSCN-IM officials claim Indian security forces moved ZUF-J fighters into the area back in March. The group says those fighters harassed travelers and extorted cash from highway commuters. NSCN-IM leaders argue they fired blank shots to stop the chaos and claimed the ZUF acts as a proxy for the government to undermine their cause.

The ZUF rejected those claims. They blasted the NSCN-IM for attacking fellow indigenous people and accused them of stirring up conflict to secure money. ZUF leaders insisted their fighters remain on the defensive to protect the region from intimidation.

The NSCN-IM urged all factions to back the 2015 Framework Agreement to resolve the ongoing territorial friction. They maintained that unity is the only path forward, stating, "The Naga solution is One Talk, One Agreement."

Community leaders now face mounting pressure to restore order. The ZUF called on the public to reject the violence, promising they will keep a defensive posture while attempting to maintain peace.