Tensions Rise in Manipur’s Noney After Alleged Firing During CRPF CoBRA Operation

Tensions have been reported in Manipur’s Noney district after an alleged firing incident during a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) CoBRA unit operation near Bitiang village. The operation was reported to have taken place on Wednesday morning, close to an area described by locals as a training camp linked to the Naga Volunteer Group (NVG).

Operation reported near NVG training camp

Local sources said firing was heard from the area during the combing operation. At the time of the report, details about whether anyone was injured or whether there were any casualties were not clear. Soon after news of the operation spread, women from the area gathered in large numbers and stopped security forces from moving further toward the camp.

In a separate development, the Working Committee of the Joint Tribe Council (JTC) in Manipur announced an immediate and indefinite shutdown across areas inhabited by the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme communities. The council said the shutdown would cover national highways, railway lines, and national projects passing through these areas.

Shutdown to exempt key services

The JTC said essential services would be exempt. These include medical services, educational institutions, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), electricity, and telecommunication services. The shutdown is set to continue until the council calls for “decisive and meaningful action” by the Government of India, including steps to arrest those responsible for killings and to stop security operations against Naga villages.

The council also linked its decision to earlier incidents. It referred to the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians, including two pastors, from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. The JTC alleged that justice has not been delivered and said it will continue its agitation until action is taken for the victims.