3 suspected Naga militants killed in Assam

SILCHAR: Three suspected NSCN militants were killed in a gunfight with Assam police in the state's Dima Hasao district on Tuesday, following a 60-hour joint operation with Assam Rifles.

Security forces launched the operation Saturday after receiving intelligence that armed Naga militants who had served extortion notices to NHAI-run Golden Quadrilateral projects were hiding in a forested area near district headquarters Haflong.

"They were neutralised when they came face-to-face and engaged in a gunfight with the security forces Tuesday morning," a police officer said. "A search led to the discovery of three bodies with two AK-series rifles and one pistol." Authorities did not specify which of the two NSCN factions the slain men were affiliated with.

Both NSCN factions have a ceasefire agreement with Nagaland govt, but often engage in extortion, abduction, and violence in neighbouring Assam's Dima Hasao.