A group of heavily armed militants shot dead the leader of a Manipuri women's group on Sunday night, in front other members of her family, at her residence in Nongren Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district.

A defence source informed that militants belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party - Military Council or the KCP-MC shot dead Seram Shanti Devi from point blank range.

KCP-MC has claimed responsibility for the dastardly act, saying the senior leader of 'Meira Paibis' (woman activists) had not heeded their warnings, against keeping in touch with security forces, which are operating against rebel groups in the state.

The slain Shanti Devi was the secretary of Nongpok Leimarol Apunba Lup, an organisation comprising women from twelve villages. The organisation has been campaigning against alcoholism, drug abuse and army excesses in the state ravaged by insurgency.

Several women's groups in the state have condemned the killing and demanded suitable monetary compensation for the victim's family.

Shanti Devi is the second woman leader who was gunned down by militants.

Earlier, militants from the People's Liberation Army had killed Takhellambam Menaka Devi, secretary of another women's organisation, on charges of working as a spy for the security forces.

The women's groups in Manipur have been fighting against 'atrocities' committed by security forces and for the withdrawal of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act that has been in force in the state for decades.