IMPHAL, May 30: At least two militants were killed and another injured as a fierce gunbattle between the cadres of NSCN (IM) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) at the village of Ejeirong in Tamenglong district in the early morning of Wednesday.
Ejeirong, which is about 5 km from Haochong, is located close to Noney Police Station but it falls under the jurisdiction of Tamenglong Police Station, police sources said.
All the residents including women and children have fled Ejeirong and taking refuge in the neighbouring village of Haochong during the gunbattle which started around 6:15 am and continued till 12:30 pm.
Police could not rush to the site though they received information on the fighting between the two rival militant groups. However, a team from 10 Assam Rifles has been rushed to the site, according to the sources.
Meanwhile, a group of volunteers from Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur along with meira paibis is reported to have headed towards the area to recover the slain militants.
The two militants killed in the gunbattle are Diluanthai, 21, a native of Taoshang and Pellimon, of Daosemjaeng village, Khoupum sub-division. But, the identities of the duo are not yet officially confirmed and it was not exactly known whether the slain militants belonged to NSCN (IM) or ZUF.
