Heavy exchange of fire in interior Manipur

A fierce exchange of fire between militants and security forces lasting for several hours was reported from interior Manipur district of Tamenglong, officials said today.
The exchange began last evening after a combined team of Assam Rifles and 9th Dogra Regiment personnel rushed to Khemji hill range following reports of presence of Zeliangrong United Front militants who are trying to dominate the area.
The firing lasted for seven hours till the early hours today, they said.
At about the same time, militants exploded a powerful grenade aimed at the 143rd CRPF battalion at Irang in the same district.