Four ZUF cadres killed in pre-dawn encounter with 13 AR
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Daniel Kamei
Tamenglong, July 31 2014:
At least four cadres of Zeliangrong United Force (ZUF) died in a fresh encounter with 13 Assam Rifles at Luangkao (Nungkao) village under Tousem Sub- Division of Tamenglong District early morning today.
According to report, the four slain cadres were identified 'Captain' Guangloungam Kamei s/o.Damchuilung Kamei of Reangjang Village, Churachandpur Dist; 'Sergeant' Peter Panmei s/o.Guikhammang Panmei of Phalong Village, Tamenglong district; 'Sergeant' Thuankulung s/o.Dingakrei of Luangkao Village, Tousem Sud-Divsion, Tamenglong District and 'Lance Corporal' Jaojiankhuan s/o.Ganglan of Karulong village, Cachar Dist, Assam.
While Jaojiankhuan, Peter Panmei and Guangloungam died on the spot, Thuankulung succumbed to his injuries later on.
One AR jawan identified as Jitendar Singh (Rifleman) from Uttaranchal was also reported injured on the left leg and he was immediately evacuated to Laimakhong for treatment.
However, ZUF has claimed that three jawans lost their lives and inflicted serious injuries to several others during the pre-dawn encounter which broke out after the security forces provoked one section of its cadres who were stationing at Luangkao village.
A source informed that the 13 AR unit posted at Kaimai recovered two M16 Rifles, one Lethode bomb and 9 mm Pistol and huge ammunitions during the operation launched in and around the encounter site.
Meanwhile, ZUF has condoled and acknowledged service rendered by its four fallen comrades and said that "their contributions for the protection and survival of Zeliangrong people were countless deeds and they will be missed by their comrades" .
On the other hand, giving its version on the encounter, PRO Defence Wing, Imphal said troops of Red Shield Division, Tamenglong Battalion conducted operation in general area of New Nungkao, Tamenglong district on 31 July 14 at 0100 hr, based on specific intelligence from own sources.
During the operation, the troops of Tamenglong Battalion came under heavy fire of the insurgents and in retaliation troops neutralized three ZUF cadres.
Subsequently during search and area sanitization operation at around 1000hr troops were again fired upon.
Moving in the direction of fire, one more ZUF cadre was neutralized.
During the operation Two M-16, one Lathod and one 9mm pistol were recovered, the PRO informed.