The area lies along the borders of the Meitei-dominated Imphal East district and tribal-majority Kangpokpi district. Earlier, on Monday night nine people were injured in a gunfight in the Khamenlok area in exchange of fire between militants and village volunteers. The security forces also exchanged fire with Kuki militants at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Tuesday, they said.
The militants armed with sophisticated weapons surrounded the villagers of the Khamelok area bordering Imphal East district and Kangpoki district and launched the attack at around 1 am, the police said.