Three Kuki-Zo Persons Killed in Manipur Gunfight as Protests Halt Imphal

Three Kuki-Zo individuals were reported killed in a gunfight with Naga groups in Manipur's Noney district on Saturday, according to news reports. The incident occurred near Tousem village in the Rongmei Naga-majority hill district at approximately 9 am, alongside a separate death reported from an earlier October incident.

Simultaneously, a mass protest rally organized by Meitei and Naga groups brought Imphal to a standstill on Saturday. Protesters raised concerns regarding ongoing security dynamics and the Suspension of Operations pact.

Incident Details and Casualties

• Noney District Clash: Three Kuki-Zo persons died in a reported gunfight near Tousem village on Saturday morning.
• Sanalok Incident Update: The death toll from the October 19 incident rose to four after a Meitei woodcutter succumbed to injuries at RIMS Hospital on Saturday.
• Kangpokpi March: Thousands marched in Kangpokpi district demanding the safe release of two boys reported abducted on October 28.

Protests and Demands

• Imphal Rally: Thousands of Meitei and Naga protesters gathered, organizing a joint demonstration.
• Core Resolutions: Protesters called for ending the Suspension of Operations pact, dismantling camps, verifying cadre weapons, resettling displaced persons, deploying neutral forces, implementing an NRC with 1951 as the base year, and removing deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen.
• Simultaneous Marches: Naga bodies held parallel marches in Senapati and Chandel districts.

Statements and Organization

• Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM): Condemned the deaths, alleged involvement of NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) cadres in an unprovoked assault, and criticized authorities regarding security.
• Cocomi and Naga Bodies: The rally was organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) alongside various Naga organizations.
• Official Remarks: Chief minister Y Khemchand Singh stated at a National Unity Day event in Imphal that governance cannot prioritize a single community and that community-centric ideas hinder peace.

Readers can verify official announcements through state government bulletins and verified law enforcement updates.