Imphal: A violent standoff at Bitiang village in Manipur’s Noney District left one man dead and another critically injured at 6:00 AM today. The victim, identified by the Bitiang Village Authority as Naga Village Guard Lanbimei Riamei from Longmai village, died during the morning exchange. Villagers are now demanding the immediate removal of the Central Reserve Police Force’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action from the area.
The Bitiang Village Authority claims the security forces attacked community protectors. They remain angry over inaction regarding the earlier abduction and killing of six Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei. "The CRPF-CoBRA Team and other security forces have not taken appropriate action against the individuals responsible for the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village. Instead, they have attacked innocent villagers and their defenders," the villagers stated in a formal request to the Noney District Deputy Commissioner.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim joined the condemnation. They accused the CoBRA unit of colluding with the Zeliangrong United Front-Jiangchui during the operation. The group labeled the incident a violation of the rights of indigenous Naga people.
The Zeliangrong United Front rejects these claims. L.S. Gangmei, the group's Secretary of Information and Publicity, dismissed the allegations as malicious and politically motivated. He stated their patrol came under fire from NSCN-IM cadres and retaliated in self-defense. Furthermore, the group asserts the deceased was not a simple village guard but an NSCN-IM Second Lieutenant using the guard position as a cover. They warn that further protests by the Joint Tribes Council based on this narrative will only escalate regional tension.
Comments