Four hardcore insurgents were killed during a fierce gun battle between the militants and the Meghalaya Police at Cleave Colony in the heart of Shillong on Tuesday night.

Acting on a tip-off, policemen had laid an ambush for the militants of the banned outfit   Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council.

The militants, who were traveling in a Maruti [Get Quote] van, opened fire at the policemen. Four militants were killed in the ensuing encounter.  One of the slain ultras was identified as Safira Hashah, the leader of the group.

The police also recovered one AK 47 assault rifle, two shot guns and 14 rounds of ammunition from the possession of the slain ultras.

The police believe that the slain ultras had planned to kill Khasi Hill Autonomous District Council chief H S Shylla and HNLC chairman Julias K Dorphan, who had surrendered to the police, on the orders of HNLC commander-in-chief Boby Marwein.

The police had received information about the HNLC's plans from two militants of the group who had surrendered on Monday.