Noney: One cadre of the armed group Zeliangrong United Front was killed after the NSCN-IM attacked while they were sheltering at Tupul village in Noney district, Manipur on Sunday afternoon.
According to sources, the ZUF cadres were suddenly attacked by NSCN-IM while taking a shelter at Tupul part 1 Phoibut village at around 3 pm, killing one cadre on the spot and injuring another with bullet injuries.
The ZUF cadres retaliated the attack and there was exchange of fire between the two Naga armed groups.
The deceased ZUF cadre has been identified as David Gaingamlung Gonmei, 36, son of Meihondai Gonmei of Namduanjang village in Noney district.
Meanwhile, the injured ZUF cadre was transferred to a nearby health center to treat the bullet injuries, said the source.
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It is also believed that there could be some injuries on the side of the NSCN-IM. However, the Th Muivah-led Naga armed group has neither responded at the time of filing this report nor have they owned up to the attack.
Upon receiving the information, a team of Noney police station rushed to the spot and carried out search operations. During the operation, the team recovered the body and later handed over to the victim’s family. His last rite is likely to be performed at his native place today, said the source.
The ZUF have signed a cessation of operations agreement with the Center and Manipur government while the NSCN-IM is in political talks with the Government of India.
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