Manipur security forces gunfight kills Naga Village Guard

A gunfight between security forces and armed volunteers in Bitiang village, located in Manipur’s Noney district, resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Naga Village Guard (NVG) member, Lanbimei Riamei. The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 29, during an operation by the Central Reserve Police Force’s CoBRA unit.

Reports indicate the engagement lasted nearly an hour. In addition to the fatality, five others were injured, including two CoBRA personnel who sustained splinter wounds and three Naga Village Guard recruits. The operation has triggered widespread protests and calls for shutdowns across Naga-inhabited areas.

Local Naga organizations and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) have condemned the operation, describing it as an unprovoked assault. The Bitiang Village Authority has requested the removal of CoBRA personnel from the area.