Imphal: Seven persons - six insurgents and one Army jawan - were killed in an encounter in Churachandpur district of Manipur late last night (Oct 8, 2004).

An Army column rushed to Khonkhai area, about 70 km south of Imphal in the district, after getting specific information about the presence of militants and launched a massive combing operation, official sources said.

As the personnel combed the interiors of the hilly area, insurgents suspected to be members of banned People's Liberation Army (PLA) opened fire from their hideout and an heavy exchange of fire followed, the sources said.

Six insurgents and one Army jawan were killed on the spot.

Three activists, suspected to be members of PLA, were arrested during the operation. Seven AK series rifles and a large quantity of ammunition for different types of weapons were also recovered.