Imphal, June 21 -- Tension escalated in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday after an exchange of fire broke out between security forces and unidentified armed men during a search operation, even as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced an indefinite blockade of the state's two key national highways, alleging bias in security operations in the Leimakhong-Kangchup area.

Police said the gun battle broke out at 7.20 am when security forces went to Leilon Vaiphei for a search operation. "It is yet to be confirmed which armed groups were involved in the incident. No casualties were reported during the gunfire," an officer said.

Meanwhile, CoTU, a Kuki-Zo body, issued a statement on Sunday announcing that the indefinite blockade of...