Imphal/Jiri, April 11: In continuing hostility, atleast three cadres of the NSCN (K) have been reportedly killed by armed cadres of rival NSCN (I-M) in an ambush laid at the site where a hospital is under construction at Duigailung village, about 3 kms south-west of Tamenglong Police Station at around 5.30 am today.

The slain NSCN (K) cadres have been identified as 2nd Lt Keithannang Panmei (26) s/o Gaigunglung of Tamenglong Part-6; Sgt Zachiah Rongmei (25) s/o Ningpha of Noney Part-I and Pvt Giangthanlung (19) s/o Gaithailung of Guangram village, near Irang bridge.

All three of them were killed by the armed cadres of NSCN (I-M) while coming to make arrangement for cooking food.

Police could not confirm whether arms and ammunition have been seized by NSCN (I-M) cadres from the possession of the slain NSCN (K) cadres.

Nonetheless, police have recovered some empty cartridges from the site of the incident.

Mention may be made that the headquarters of the NSCN (I-M) at Bunning in Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong district was attacked by cadres of NSCN (K) yesterday.

One Sgt Maj of NSCN (I-M) identified as Shimreishang Tangkhul was killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the slain NSCN (K) cadres have been handed over to their respective family members after post-mortem at Tamenglong District Hospital.