7 NSCN(K) militants killed in encounter with Assam Rifles

Kohima, August 28

At least seven NSCN (K) militants were killed and three civilians and an Assam Rifles jawan were injured in a gun battle near the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pangsha in Tuensang district of Nagaland, the Army said on Monday.

A woman was among the suspected militants killed.

ITC Pangsha, along the Indo-Myanmar border, is about 290 km from the state capital.

Police officers in Tuensang said the shootout began at around 2 pm and lasted several hours.

An Assam Rifles spokesman said at least seven people belonging to the NSCN (K) were killed in the gun battle.

A regular patrol squad in the area noticed a motorcycle and two vehicles approaching them.

Immediately suspicious, the squad asked the motorcycle to stop when suddenly occupants of the two vehicles as well as the biker began to fire at the squad, the spokesman said.

The Assam Rifles spokesman said a several arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants. PTI