A gunfight broke out on Thursday morning between two armed groups in Kangpokpi district, causing panic among local residents but leaving no one injured, officials said.

According to authorities, suspected cadres of the banned Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF–S Kamson) were conducting an operation to destroy alleged illicit poppy cultivation at Kharam Vaiphei when they came under fire from armed Kuki underground groups. The exchange of fire eventually ceased without any casualties. Additional security forces were deployed to surrounding areas to prevent further escalation.

Residents panic as gunfire rings out

The sound of gunfire triggered alarm among villagers along the fringes of Imphal West district, which borders Kangpokpi. The area has a history of violent clashes, having witnessed major armed confrontations between Kuki and Meitei groups in 2023 and 2024.

In a statement, ZUF–S Kamson said its cadres engaged in the gunfight at around 7:40 am at Kharam Vaiphei. The outfit alleged that the area has been a hub of unlawful activities, including illicit poppy cultivation and the establishment of underground camps by Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups.

Manipur has remained tense since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, which has claimed more than 260 lives. The unrest between the Meitei and Kuki communities was triggered after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts was held to oppose the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Authorities have urged local residents to remain calm while security forces continue to monitor the situation closely.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share