Nagaland: One jawan, 3 militants killed in encounter at Mon district

At least one soldier, one civilian and three militants were killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Mon district of Nagaland on Wednesday. The militants belonged to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang (NSCN-K).

Three soldiers were also injured in the encounter that broke out in the Lapa Lempong and Oting villages of Nagaland's Mon district just after 11:30 pm on Tuesday. Major David Manlum, the deceased jawan, was from the Territorial Army Naga battalion and posted to Assam Rifles. The civilian who was killed in the encounter was an auto driver. 

"The incident took place around 10pm. Based on information about movement of terrorists, the officer and his team went to the area when they were ambushed and an encounter ensued," army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer told the Hindustan Times.

The encounter broke out after the Assam Rifles and 12 Para Special Forces of the Indian Army launched a joint operation after receiving information about the presence of militants in the area late on Tuesday. army sources were quoted by the Hindu as saying. 

Forces have recovered an AK-56 rifle, two Chinese AK rifles, two grenades, three IEDs and 270 AK rounds from the three deceased terrorists. The identity of the deceased terrorists is yet to be ascertained. The operation is still underway.

The three injured jawans were rushed to a military hospital in Johrat and are reportedly in a stable condition.