IMPHAL, JUL 29 (NPN): A youth, claimed by villagers to be a Naga Village Guard (NVG), was killed in an alleged gunfight with a combined force of CRPF and its CoBRA unit at Bitiang village near Tupul under Khoupum police station, Noney district, on Wednesday morning.
The deceased was identified as Lanbimei Riamei (22), son of Kadirang Riamei of Longmai Bazar, Noney. He reportedly sustained bullet injuries during the clash and later succumbed.
Five others, including two CoBRA personnel, were injured. The injured CRPF personnel were Head Constable (GD) Radhyshyam and Constable (GD) Jitendra Kumar of the 207 CoBRA battalion. Three other injured individuals, suspected to be NVG members undergoing armed training in the area, were rushed to a nearby healthcare centre and are expected to be shifted to Imphal for specialized treatment.
According to police sources, the gunfight broke out around 7:05 a.m. and lasted for about an hour after security forces launched an operation based on inputs regarding armed elements in the area. Following the clash, additional forces including Rapid Action Force (RAF) and state police were deployed, and a massive search operation was initiated to recover unauthorized arms and ammunition.
Reports indicated that the operation was strongly opposed by villagers of Bitiang, a Rongmei Naga‑inhabited area, who claimed the security forces targeted NVG members stationed nearby. Women reportedly attempted to prevent the operation, saying they were protecting the villagers.
The incident sparked tension across Naga‑inhabited areas of Noney and Tamenglong districts. The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council (JTC)–Manipur imposed an emergency shutdown, alleging the operation was directed against Naga volunteers and amounted to “betrayal of Naga lives.”
The JTC accused the CoBRA unit of an “unprovoked attack” and alleged collusion with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF)–Jenchui faction. It linked the incident to the earlier killing of six Nagas, accusing authorities of failing to deliver justice while targeting Naga volunteers.
NSCN (IM)
condemns attack on Naga Village Guard
DIMAPUR, JUL 29 (NPN): The NSCN (IM) has strongly condemned the alleged unprovoked attack on volunteers of the Western Command of the Naga Village Guard (NVG) and the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) at Bitiang village, Noney district, on July 29.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), NSCN (IM) said the assault, which claimed the life of a village guard, was a grave violation of the indigenous Naga community’s right to security and protection.
It alleged that the operation was carried out by the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui faction) in collusion with CoBRA units of the CRPF, describing the act as “abhorrent.”
The group asserted that the apparent alignment of India’s elite forces with armed aggressors undermined neutrality and accountability.
Extending condolences to the bereaved family, NSCN (IM) mourned the loss of what it termed a “brave martyr” who gave his life defending his village and community.
