Three militants broke free from a jail in the insurgency-hit North Cachar Hill district of Assam on Thursday morning, triggering panic in the area.

A police source in the hill district informed that three senior militants from  Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel Garlosa) or Black Widow group -- Daku Dimasa, Daniel Dimasa and Nalo Dimasa -- escaped from Haflong jail after triggering a grenade blast early on Thursday morning.

The jail is located adjacent to the main police station in Haflong, but the militants managed to escape without facing any resistance from the jail guards.

The authorities have arrested jail in-charge Lunlet Lhoubum and an investigation has been initiated into the matter. The police have launched a manhunt for the three militants in and around Haflong.

The Black Widow is a ruthless militant group that is active in the North Cachar Hill district and adjoining areas. The outfit has been involved in numerous attacks on security personnel and politicians. It also carries out rampant extortion operations.