Three militants killed in Manipur firing

Imphal: 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. [caption id=“attachment_1227103” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP.[/caption] 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. PTI