Imphal, Oct 13: Atleast four persons were killed including an eight-year-old boy and two others injured when militants opened fire at a mass gathered for a condolence service on Tuesday in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.

The incident comes two days after security forces gunned down four militants belonging to the banned Kuki National Liberation Army (KNLA).

Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the incident and termed it as an act of terrorism.

According to sources, the villagers were conducting a condolence service at B Gamnom village ground when the militants indiscriminately opened fire at the gathering. Police said the incident occurred around 11:30 am on Tuesday.

The security forces revealed that the militants who were killed in the gunbattle are also from nearby surrounding villages.

In the firing, two villagers, including the village chief N P Kholen, died on the spot. Later, police recovered two more bodies in the vicinity of the village with bullet injuries. A two-year-old boy was among the injured.

While, it is still at a very early stage to reveal all the details, Manipur police said the death toll may increase as they were informed of some missing persons.

A large contingent of police led by ADGP rank officers also rushed to the spot till the time of filing this report.

Last Sunday, four cadres of KNLA were killed in an encounter with combined forces comprising Army and Assam Rifles at Hingojang.