Three Manipur insurgents were killed in a gun-battle with security forces in interior Bishenpur district early Tuesday, official sources said in Imphal.

As the security forces surrounded Thanga area, 40 km from Imphal and stepped up combing operations, insurgents hiding in a small hillock opened fire. The security forces also retaliated, the sources said.

Initial reports said the exchange of fire lasted several hours and three insurgents were killed on the spot. The exact number of casualties would be known only after the area was searched thoroughly, the sources said, adding that combing operation was still on.

Some insurgents reportedly escaped through nearby Loktak lake in small boats, the sources added.

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