ZUF cadre killed in marathon gunfight with NSCN (IM) men

Our Correspondent
NONEY, Dec 14: One ZUF cadre has been killed in a fierce gunfight in Noney district today.
The gunfight broke out between cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and NSCN (IM) in an area between Joupi and Khoirok village, near Dolang village, under the jurisdiction of Khoupum police station.
The exchange of gunfire reportedly began at around 8.30 am and continued till 2.30 pm.
While there may have been many casualties on both sides, at least one cadre of the ZUF, identified as Paogaigam Gangmei has been killed, sources said.
Pougaingam Gangmei, son of Thaithuilung Gangmei, was a resident of Satudai village under Khoupum subdivision, Noney district, said the sources.
While the exchange of fire ended at around 2.30 pm, both sides did not fully retreat from the area and were camping in nearby villages according to locals, added the sources.
The Village Councils of the Noney area have strongly condemned the clash and bloodshed among "fellow brothers".
Stating that such acts severely disrupt the normal life of the general public, the councils and various civil society organisations have appealed to both groups to refrain from disturbing peace especially during the festive season.
Further, the village authorities and village customary Courts (Thoupei) of Longsai, Longleiband, Dolang, Sangji, and Longjang villages in the vicinity have also condemned the incident and armed activities in the area.