Security forces Thursday launched a massive cordon and search operation in Manipur‘s Noney, a day after three militants were killed in a gunfight between rival Naga outfits. Over 500 personnel from Manipur Police, CRPF’s CoBRA unit and Assam Rifles began the operation in Nungba and Kekru Naga areas. Elsewhere in state, thousands of Nagas rallied in Ukhrul and Kamjong demanding withdrawal of Assam Rifles from their areas, an end to the conflict, abrogation of a SoO pact with Kuki outfits and removal of deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen. Kipgen is a Kuki-Zo MLA.