Manipur’s Noney District Clash Leaves NVG Member Dead, Triggers Tribal Council Shutdown

On Wednesday an exchange of fire broke out at a Naga Village Guard (NVG) training camp in Bitiang village, Noney district, Manipur, after Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) CoBRA commandos launched an operation. One NVG volunteer, 22‑year‑old Lanbilung Riamei, was killed and five others were injured, including two CoBRA personnel who suffered minor wounds. Three NVG members sustained serious bullet injuries. The clash disrupted communications in the Bitiang‑Tupul area and a heavy security presence remains.

Following the incident, the Working Committee of the Joint Tribe Council (JTC) of Manipur announced an immediate, indefinite shutdown of national highways, railway services and projects across areas inhabited by the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities, while exempting essential services such as health, education, electricity, water and telecommunications. The council demanded decisive action from the Government of India on alleged attacks on Naga civilians and the recent killing of six Naga civilians.

Police have not issued a detailed official statement on the circumstances of the exchange of fire.