Four persons were killed and another seriously injured by a group of about 25 armed insurgents who swooped on Kanchanmala market yesterday, the police said.

In retaliation, a group attacked Marak Basti, a tribal hamlet and set ablaze at least 100 huts charring to death one of the residents, police said. Several others have been reported missing, police said.

The situation in the area is tense but under control, police said, adding Inspector General of Police Salim Ali is camping in the area.

A combing operation headed by Ali has been launched and the army, CISF and paramilitary forces, including the Tripura State Rifles have been deployed to ensure law and order, police added.