India, Nov. 1 -- Three Kuki men were killed in a fresh exchange of gunfire between unidentified armed groups in Manipur's Noney district on Saturday, even as thousands of people, including members of Meitei and Naga organisations, held a rally in Imphal demanding the scrapping of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups and greater protection for local communities.

The firing took place around 10am at Kekru Naga village, officials said. Sporadic gunfire between unidentified groups suspected to belong to the Naga and Kuki communities were reported in the area since October 29, said police, adding that Saturday's incident was the first in three days to result in deaths.

Police said security forces have been d...