People flee villages following gun battle between Manipur militant groups

Imphal, July 25 (ANI): A gun battle between two militant groups in Manipur has forced villagers to abandon their homes flee to safer places.housands of residents from Seichang, Bongyang, Chaning, Salem, Bongmol and Kamuching have fled from their homes.

Reportedly the fight between Kuki National Front (KNF-P) and the allied group of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) began on Wednesday in Seichang village and continues.

Villagers want the state government to help them.

"We urge the Government to intervene by deploying security forces in the villages," said a villager requesting anonymity.

The people of Seichang and Bongyang have taken shelters in the Itham and Moirangpurel villages.

So far 16 cadres have been killed.

Residents of Itham have taken the initiative to offer help to those seeking for protection.

"As there is no other place, so we the Itham Meira Paibis and our club have taken the decision to take the responsibility of protecting them," said a villager of Itham.

India's northeastern region is home to more than 200 tribes over 50 rebel groups are active in the region, circled by China, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Dozens of tribal organisations are fighting Indian rule, demanding a separate homeland or greater autonomy. (ANI)