Barely a week after a factional clash erupted near Matong/Wairongba village, Tamenglong district between ZUF and NSCN (I-M) cadres, on Tuesday afternoon, in another gun-battle in Tamenglong district reportedly between NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K), a civilian was killed, Manipur police said.
Police said, the gunfight erupted within the CIC campus Tamenglong, located between Ramgailong ward no.3 and Namthan village, Tamenglong district.
The deceased was identified as Jaikhalung (30), son of Poulathui of Ramgailong ward no.3, killed in the cross fire.
In the exchange of fire that lasted for about 10 minutes, one cadre of NSCN (I-M) was reportedly injured. There was no report of casualty on either side involved in the gunfight.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Tamenglong residents carried out a torch rally to protest against the killing of Jaikhalung and the factional fight.
The rally which began from Tamenglong Bazar ended at the spot where the factional fight occurred appealing the groups to shun violence in the area.
Staff Reporter adds: When contacted, an NSCN (I-M) source said around noon, a combined force of ZUF and NSCN (K) launched an attack.
According to the source, there were around 40 to 50 cadres of both the groups who attacked NSCN (I-M) cadres stationed in the area. Other NSCN (I-M) cadres who were present in and around the area also rushed in to defend their men, said the source.
The source however added that it was not aware of the dead of a civilian.
Meanwhile, NSCN (K) sources confirmed that a civilian was killed in the cross fire but denied the involvement of ZUF in the gun fight.
According to source, the civilian victim was from Bamjaigang and the gunfight took place at ward no. 3 near Emanuel church.
It may be mentioned that on September 25, ZUF and NSCN (I-M) cadres engaged in a fierce gunfight in Tamenglong district where six cadres were reportedly killed and injured one civilian.
It was reported that during the gunfight, villagers around the area fled their homes and took shelter in the adjoining villages fearing safety and security. NSCN (K) then had ruled out its involvement in the incident.