One Killed, Three Injured in Exchange of Fire Between CoBRA Personnel and NVGs in Manipur's Noney District

One member of the Naga Village Guard was killed and three others, including two personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) CoBRA unit, were injured in an exchange of fire that took place in the early hours of Wednesday in Noney district, according to initial reports.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 6:30 a.m. in the forest area of Bitiang (Laphok) village under Khoupum Police Station. Sources alleged that a CRPF CoBRA unit encountered members of the Naga Village Guard, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Police sources said one Naga Village Guard member was killed and another sustained injuries. Two personnel from the 207 CoBRA Battalion of the CRPF were also reportedly injured during the exchange.

Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of those killed or injured. Initial reports suggest there may have been additional casualties among the Naga Village Guard, but these claims remain unverified.

Sources further alleged that members of the Rongmei Luh Phwam (women's organisation) and leaders of various civil society organisations attempted to reach the incident site but were prevented from proceeding due to road restrictions reportedly imposed by CRPF personnel.

Following the incident, women volunteers reportedly headed towards the area to search for missing village volunteers. Later, Superintendent of Police (SP) Noney, Divya Rajput, along with a police team, visited the site to conduct a spot inspection. A detailed report on the incident is awaited.

Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur announced an emergency shutdown across the territories inhabited by the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities. The shutdown includes national infrastructure projects such as railway works and activities on National Highways. However, essential services, including medical facilities, educational institutions, water supply, electricity and telecommunications, have been exempted from the shutdown.