Manipur: One village guard killed, three injured during security operation after Bitiang firing

A search operation launched following a firing incident at a Naga Village Guard (NVG) training camp in Bitiang village resulted in the death of one village guard, injuries to three others, and injuries to two personnel of the CoBRA unit of the CRPF, according to local sources.

 

The incident reportedly occurred on the morning of July 29 in the Bitiang area. The injured village guards were admitted to Noney District Hospital, while the injured CoBRA personnel were shifted to Imphal for treatment. Additional security forces have since been deployed, and search operations are continuing in the area.

 

Local sources alleged that more than 300 CoBRA personnel carried out an operation at the training camp, during which firing broke out. However, the exact sequence of events leading to the exchange of fire remains unclear.

 

Following the incident, women and youth from several villages in the Longmai area gathered at the site and staged protests, alleging that security personnel had used excessive force against the village guards. Protesters questioned the circumstances surrounding the death of the volunteer and the injuries sustained by others.

 

Several Naga organisations condemned the incident, alleging that security forces were targeting civilians who were protecting their villages from attacks by Kuki militants.

 

Foothill Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) convenor Ng Akhiu said the Naga community was still awaiting justice in the killing of six Naga men allegedly abducted and murdered by Kuki groups in Kangpokpi district. He criticised the operation in Bitiang, claiming the village guards were defending their communities and should not have been treated as militants.

 

He also alleged that while security forces were conducting operations in Naga villages, similar action was not being taken against designated camps of Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. He warned that such perceived bias could further aggravate the situation instead of restoring peace.

 

Meanwhile, the Joint Tribe Council (JTC), Manipur, representing the Inpui, Liangmei, Rongmei and Zeme communities, announced an emergency shutdown in the affected areas, stating that it would continue until justice is delivered.

 

No official statement had been issued by the CRPF, Manipur Police, or the district administration regarding the incident at the time of filing this report.