Shillong, Aug 8 (IANS): Garo militants on Saturday fired at Meghalaya Police personnel, who retaliated forcing the insurgents to retreat into the forests of West Khasi Hills district, an official said.

The exchange of fire took place in Nongchram Ading village, when the eighth platoon of the 3rd Meghalaya Police battalion was attacked by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants.

Though there were no casualties among the security personnel, police were yet to confirm if any militant was injured.

"The gun battle lasted for an hour and the terrorists led by Sohan D. Shira, chief of the GNLA's military wing, retreated back to the jungles," district police chief Sylvester Nongtynger told IANS over phone.

He said the two buses in which the police personnel were travelling were damaged.

A massive operation has been launched to flush out the militants.

The GNLA, headed by police officer-turned-outlaw Champion R. Sangma, wants a separate Garoland state to be carved out of Meghalaya.