Manipur, Aug 29: A renewed factional gunfight between two factions of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has reportedly left one person dead and five others injured in a remote forested area of Manipur’s Noney district, with security forces yet to reach the site. Ground reports said the exchange of fire broke out in the Khumji area between the Jenchui faction, or ZUF-J, and the Kamson faction, or ZUF-K.

The confrontation was reported to be continuing in a difficult-to-access jungle stretch away from populated areas. The remote terrain has hampered access to the site, delaying the arrival of security personnel.

As a result, the reported casualty figures could not be independently verified immediately by The Assam Tribune and may change after forces reach the area and conduct an on-ground assessment. Local sources said one person was killed and five others sustained injuries in the gunfight.

The identities and affiliations of the casualties, however, were yet to be established. The circumstances that triggered the latest confrontation also remained unclear.

The clash comes amid longstanding tensions and armed rivalry among groups operating in Zeliangrong-inhabited areas of Manipur and neighbouring regions. Both the ZUF-Jenchui and ZUF-Kamson factions trace their origins to former cadres associated with the NSCN-IM.

The Zeliangrong United Front was formed in 2011 following a split involving former NSCN-IM cadres and subsequently evolved into a separate organisation centred on issues concerning the Zeliangrong community. Over the years, differences among various factions have periodically resulted in armed confrontations, with rival groups staking competing claims over political influence, territorial control and representation of Zeliangrong interests.

The ZUF has advocated the protection of Zeliangrong people, land and natural resources and has maintained its demand for the integration of Zeliangrong-inhabited areas under a single administrative arrangement. The organisation has also said it submitted memoranda to the Government of India on three occasions seeking the integration of Zeliangrong-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella.

Authorities are expected to ascertain the situation after personnel gain access to the area.