GUWAHATI: A suspected rebel belonging to Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM was killed in a shootout between two rival insurgent groups in Noney district, 63 kilometers west of Imphal, Manipur on Thursday, police said.
According to reports, the said shootout took place at around 12 noon in Khoupum Lubanglong which is located two kilometres south of Khoupum Police Station in the district. It is suspected that the shootout took place between two proscribed outfit Zelianrong Union Front and NSCN-IM.
Villagers heard intense fire fight between the two suspected outfit’s near the outskirt of the village. The fighting continued for half an hour. Police and villagers found a dead body of militants in full combat dress in the jungle sometime after the firing from both the sides had stopped. The body is suspected to be that of a ‘corporal’ of NSCN-IM from Haflong, but yet to be confirmed.