Imphal, Sept 13: Ten militants were killed in a fierce gunbattle with the security forces in Kangpokpi police station area of Senapati district in Manipur early this morning, defence sources said here. The encounter took place after the 14th Assam Rifles and the 19th Rajput Rifles personnel raided some hill villages in the area, about 35 km north of Imphal, on the national highway at around 3.30 am, while acting on specific information, they said. Heavy exchange of fire took place between the two sides, the sources said, adding as per initial reports at least 10 militants were killed. The identity of the killed militants could not be established. However, underground Kuki National Front outfit is active in the area, they said.
Several arms and ammunition were also recovered from the spot, they added. The sources said several militants managed to sneak into nearby thick jungles during the encounter and the security forces have cordoned off the entire area to nab the terrorists.
Additional Superintendent of Police Sudhir Sharma has rushed to Kangpokpi with a strong police force to assess the situation, they said.
Bureau Report