IMPHAL: Two "village volunteers" were killed in an exchange of fire with unidentified gunmen in Bishnupur district of Manipur on Sunday, reported news agency PTI quoting police."The incident took place in Khoijumantabi village late on Sunday night when the "village volunteers" were guarding the area in a makeshift bunker," a police officer said.According to police officer, casualties are likely to go up.More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state so far.Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.

Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.