IMPHAL, March 5: At least one militant suspect has been reportedly killed during a skirmish that took place in Khoupum area in the morning today, between NSCN-IM and the newly floated Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF).
According to sources, the incident occurred around 10 am in the morning.
The sources further revealed that many more might have been injured during the gun battle however the exact reports of the incident could not be acquired till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (AMN) and Zeliangrong Youth Front (AMN), in a joint statement said that the Zeliangrong bodies have taken serious note of the factional encounter which occurred today near Khoupum between the newly floated Zeliangrong United Front and NSCN-IM.
It termed the factional fight among Naga brethren as unfortunate, as it has claimed precious lives in the Naga society particularly when the Nagas are working hard for peace under the banner of Forum for Naga reconciliation. The AZU and ZYF (AMN) have been on a mission for existence of peace in our land adding it strongly appeal to the warring faction to stop violence at any cost.
It has sincerely appealed to the various warring groups to give peace a chance by giving room for civil organizations like the Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN), Naga Hoho, UNC etc to bring mutual understanding among the Nagas. Whatever the problem and misunderstanding is, can be solved given the conducive environment, it said. We want peace and bloodshed will not be tolerated in the Zeliangrong region and above all in all the Naga inhabited areas, it further added.
