The police today said unidentified militants opened fire at a Road Opening Party of the 86th CRPF battalion in the afternoon yesterday while the para-military forces were patrolling the Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar National Highway 37 at Noney, about 47 KM west of here.
The militants escaped through thick jungles nearby, sources said.
On hearing gunshots, Assam Rifles personnel of the 10th battalion rushed to the spot and launched a man-hunt, but no arrest was made, the police said.
On June 24 last near the same spot, there was a heavy exchange of fire between Assam Rifles personnel and suspected militants of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) faction during which six militants were killed and arms recovered from the spot.