Three militants were killed and a police commando was injured in an encounter in interior Bishenpur district of Manipur, police sources said today.

In the fierce encounter, which continued for more than 30 minutes, three militants were killed and a commando was injured. The identity of the slain ultras was not immediately clear.

The injured commando was also taken to the hospital where his condition was stated to be out of danger.

The commandos, attached to Bishenpur district police station, were fired by militants during a patrol at Leimaram area, about 35km from here, at around 7 pm last night.

One M-16 rifle and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from the spot.

Over 300 persons have so far been killed in militancy-related crimes in Manipur this year.