Three militants killed in encounter in Manipur

Three suspected militants of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Nongthon group, were killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles (AR) in interior Thoubal district of Manipur.
 
Official sources said today personnel of the AR 28th battalion were patrolling Waithou area, about 25 km south-east of here, late last night when they were fired upon by the militants.
     
In the ensuing exchange of fire, three militants were killed and three 9mm pistols along with some rounds of ammunition were recovered from the spot.
     
A demand note, bearing the letterhead of 'KCP Nongthon group' and asking a local school to pay Rs10 lakh, was recovered from the slain militants whose bodies have been sent to Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for post mortem, the sources said.
     
At least 450 persons were killed in militancy-related incidents in Manipur this year.