A fresh gunfight reportedly broke out between suspected NSCN(IM) and ZUF cadres on Friday morning around 8:30 AM at Kaiphundai village under Tousem sub-division, within the jurisdiction of Kaimai Police Station along NH-37 in Tamenglong district.

According to sources, a second round of exchange of fire erupted at around 12:30 PM and continued for nearly an hour, intensifying tension in the area.

The sudden outbreak of violence created panic among villagers, many of whom fled to safer locations to protect themselves. As per initial reports, no casualties have been reported so far, and necessary action has been initiated by the concerned police authorities.

Meanwhile, condemning the gunfight, women members of the Rongmei Luh Phuam Goinanglong Luangrian staged a protest rally at Khunphundai village along NH-37.

As a precautionary measure, police halted empty trucks travelling from Imphal towards Jiribam at Sibilong village. The stranded vehicles are expected to resume their journey after security clearance on Saturday.