ZUF factional clash in Manipur’s Noney district has left two people dead and six others injured in two separate incidents involving rival factions of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF). The violence occurred within about 24 hours, according to police and local reports.
The clashes involved the ZUF-Jenchui and ZUF-Kamson factions. Fresh gunfire was reported on Saturday morning, August 29, in the Nungtek-Haochong area, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.
ZUF factional clash leaves two dead
The first incident reportedly took place on Friday, August 28, at Puichi under the Haochong subdivision of Noney district. According to local reports, Dingtiplung Gonmei, also known as Nguiba Gonmei, was killed during the confrontation.
Gonmei was described by officials and reports as the self-styled chief secretary of the ZUF-Kamson faction. The clash reportedly occurred while members of the faction were preparing for a football tournament linked to the commemoration of Haipou Jadonang’s 95th death anniversary.
Police received information about the shooting and began monitoring developments in the area. However, details surrounding the immediate cause of the confrontation remain under investigation.
Fresh gunfire reported in Noney
Meanwhile, another ZUF factional clash was reported early Saturday near Khumji, also referred to as Lukhambi-4, in the Noney area. Officials said gunfire was heard around 6am between Nungtek Part II and Haochong.
The second clash reportedly involved ZUF-Jenchui and ZUF-Kamson cadres. Sources said ZUF-Kamson cadres ambushed members of the rival faction who were returning from Haochong.
One ZUF-Jenchui cadre was killed in the encounter. Reports identified the deceased as Jangailing Gonmei, while six other ZUF-Jenchui cadres sustained injuries.
Six injured cadres shifted to Imphal
The six injured people were evacuated for medical treatment after the firing. Reports said five were admitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, while another seriously injured person was taken to Shija Hospital.
The exchange of fire reportedly continued for several minutes and involved explosives, according to officials cited by India Today. Local Meira Paibi members and police personnel also reportedly tried to reach the affected area but faced security concerns.
As a result, authorities remained cautious while assessing the situation and monitoring the possibility of further violence.
ZUF factions under peace arrangement
The latest ZUF factional clash is significant because the Zeliangrong United Front is covered by a tripartite Cessation of Operations agreement involving the Government of India and the Manipur government.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi on December 27 and 28, 2022. A Joint Monitoring Group was subsequently established to oversee compliance with the agreed ground rules.
However, the latest violence between ZUF factions has raised questions about tensions within the organisation and the implementation of the ceasefire arrangement.
Security concerns grow in Noney
The back-to-back incidents have increased concern in the Noney-Haochong belt, where fresh gunfire was reported even after the earlier fatal confrontation. Neither faction had issued an official statement on the incidents at the time of the latest reports.
Overall, authorities face the immediate task of preventing further clashes and maintaining security in the affected areas. The two deaths and six injuries have also highlighted the continuing challenges of managing factional tensions among armed groups operating under a formal peace arrangement. Further developments are expected as security agencies investigate the incidents and assess the situation in Noney.
