The Assam Rifles under HQ IGAR (E) had launched an operation yesterday near village Robi Basti, four km from Haflong, and an encounter ensued resulting in the death of three NSCN (IM) cadres, the sources said.
Stating the militants were active in areas around Malangpa village in the district, they said the recoveries include two AK series rifles, 73 rounds of ammunition and other war-like stores.
Another operation was conducted near village Kopilo, the day before, on the junction of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, an area frequented by NSCN (IM) insurgents for their transit to Assam, the sources said.
Earlier in August, two NSCN (IM) cadres including an Area Commander were killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles at village Asalu under Mahur police station in the district.