Imphal, June 19: The standoff between Assam Rifles troops and militants of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) in Ukhrul district of Manipur has finally ended with both sides pulling out from the area where they had set up camps in close proximity to one another.

Tension had mounted at Marao and its neighbouring villages after the Assam Rifles objected to the presence of militants in the area and rushed in reinforcements in preparation for a possible clash.

The development even triggered an exodus of villagers to different towns of the district.

Assam Rifles officials confirmed that the NSCN (I-M) militants left the area on June 14, following which troops deployed in Marao were withdrawn.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh had instructed the Assam Rifles to evict the NSCN (I-M) from Marao, contending that the militant group?s ceasefire with Delhi was not applicable to Manipur.

In an unrelated development, the army today claimed to have busted several militant hideouts in Henglep subdivision of Churachandpur district during a major operation by its Red Shield Division.

A statement from the defence public relations office said the militants were on the run after suffering ?physical and psychological losses?.

Two militants were killed and a couple of AK-47 rifles seized during the operation.

The army accomplished the mission without suffering any casualty.