Diphu (Assam): Karbi and Kuki ethnic violence erupted afresh when Karbi militant outfit UPDS (United People Democratic Society) attacked Kuki village in Assam's Karbi Anglong district killing three persons including two women and injuring three others.

According to Additional District Commissioner, P K Burman, the UPDS (anti-talk faction) insurgents yesterday (Jan 18, 2004) stormed into village Basamali in the interior of the Manja police outpost area and opened indiscriminate fire and set ablaze several houses.

The villagers, however, informed the police only this evening (Jan 19) and the security forces recovered one body so far and are on the look out for two others, Burman said.

The three injured had been admitted Diphu civil hospital.

The district deputy commissioner and superintendent of police have rushed to the area and supervising the rescue and relief operation.

A massive search operation has also been launched to track out the militants, he added.

Karbi and Kuki clashes had erupted in the district during October and November last year (2003) when several people from both the communities were killed and hundreds of houses torched.