Imphal, Nov. 4 -- Four cadres were killed and several others injured in an exchange of gunfire between rival insurgent groups in a remote village of Manipur early Wednesday.

The gunfight began around 3:30 am in Taodaijang (Buanruang) village under Nungba Police Station and continued for several hours.

Initial reports said the gunfight involved armed cadres of the Jenchui faction of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-J), the Kamson faction of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-K) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).

Firing continued for several hours, preventing security personnel from immediately reaching the area.

Local sources said three of those killed belonged to ZUF-J, while the fourth was a ZUF-K cadre. Several...