Imphal: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel exchanged fire with Manipur insurgents at Jivan Nagar area near Loktak lake in Bishenpur district on November 20 morning, official sources said.

Casualty on either side was not known, the sources said. The gun battle lasted for several hours.

The encounter began when insurgents of Manipur People's Army, armed wing of separatist United National Liberation Front (UNLF) fired at patrolling CRPF men of 110th battalion at Jivan Nagar area at around 07:45 hours (IST), prompting the para- military force to retaliate, the sources said.

Locals reported about hearing sounds of gunshot for several hours.

The insurgents later escaped through nearby thick hilly jungles, the sources said quoting reports. Security reinforcements have rushed to the spot.

Further details were awaited.

PTI