Imphal: NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah) activists clashed with NSCN (K), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and Kuki National Front (KNF) for control over two villages in Tamenglong district of Manipur which left two of its members injured, official sources said today (Dec 9, 2004).

The gunbattle between the two sides took place yesterday (Dec 8, 2004) at Azuram and Chramram villages under Tousem sub division of the district as both sides attempted to establish their control over the villages, they said.

About 500 villagers frightened at the gun battle fled to safer areas, the sources said.

Army personnel rushed to the spot, about 100 kms north-west of Imphal, and launched a combing operation today to track down the militants.

The situation in the areas in now under control, the sources said adding the district authorities were instructed to look after the welfare of the fleeing villagers.