Three killed in clashes in India's troubled northeast

NEW DELHI, Apr 25: Gun battles between rival ethnic groups in India's troubled northeastern Manipur state killed three men, police said, the latest unrest in the far-flung region.

Manipur has seen periodic clashes for nearly three years between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community in which more than 250 people have been killed.

"In a heavy exchange of fire... three individuals sustained fatal bullet injuries," Manipur police said in a statement late Friday.

The clashes took places at Mullam village in Ukhrul district, and police did not specify which community the men came from. "Security measures have been enhanced in the area to prevent further escalation of violence," police said. "Operations are still underway."

Longstanding enmity between the Meitei and Kuki communities revolves around competition for land and public jobs. Rights activists have accused local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain. �"AFP