Army Major killed in Nagaland encounter

An Army major was killed in a gun battle as the Army gunned down three terrorists in Mon district of Nagaland on Thursday morning. Major David Manlum was all set to join the National Security Guards (NSG) later this month.

The Army had laid a trap on a specific input when a combined group, suspected to be affiliated to ULFA and NSCN(K), threw a grenade and opened fire, killing the officer and leaving three jawans injured. The terrorists were travelling in an autorickshaw. Sources said three terrorists and the autorickshaw driver were killed as the Army retaliated.

"They threw a grenade and fired, but within minutes there was retaliation killing all four," said Army sources.

Major Manlum's father is also an ex-army man and his sister is married to an Army officer posted in the Army Headquarters in Delhi.

After the encounter, one AK-56, two Chinese-made AK, two grenades, three IED and 270 rounds of ammunition, were seized from the spot.

The encounter took place took place in Lappa village that started post midnight on Tuesday.

The identity of the terrorists was not ascertained and their links to terror outfits are also being verified.