Three militants killed in interior Manipur

Three militants of Zeliangrong United Front have been killed in an exchange of fire with National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isac and Muivah (NSCN-IM) cadre in interior Tamenglong district of Manipur, police said today.
Heavily-armed militants attacked a group of NSCN-IM cadre at Bhalok village late last evening by exploding powerful bombs, followed by a fierce exchange of fire between them in the hill village, the police said.
During the encounter that lasted over five hours, three militants of ZUF were killed and some other militants belonging to the NSNCN-IM were injured, the police said.
Official reports from Tamenglong district said an injured NSCN-IM cadre was taken to Imphal while some others who sustained minor injuries left the spot.

Two small arms were recovered from the spot, the reports said.
Both ZUF and NSCN-IM militants have been attacking each other in the past few years over the control of Tamenglong district bordering Nagaland, the reports said.