Imphal, May 11: At least one suspected cadre of the United Socialist Revolutionary Army (USRA) and one civilian was killed by suspected cadres of the Kuki National Front (P) today at about 8.30 am at Yairipok Ngamukhong located about 5 kms north east of Yairipok police station.

The identity of the suspected USRA cadre has been established as one Malsawm Vaiphei (30) of Kangching village in Senapati district while the civilian is identified as Mayengbam Tomba son of M Ibotombi of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai.

According to villagers of Ngamukhong about 12 well armed cadres of the USRA stopped sand carrying trucks at a suspension bridge in between Tera Urak and Ngamukhong at about 5.30 am and demanded Rs 3000 from each truck.

Two/three trucks complied with the demand of the cadres and proceeded, they said and added that the rest could not pay as the drivers had no money on them.

Moreover the drivers also explained that they had already paid Rs 3000 each to the KNF (P) earlier.

Even as the drivers were negotiating with the USRA cadres, about 30 suspected well armed men of the KNF (P) in fatigues descended on the village from the eastern side of Ngamukhong hill.

Later the suspected KNF (P) cadres surrounded the village and took positions at vantage points.

Some took position at a road side ditch located about 150 feet from the suspension bridge where the USRA cadres were talking with the drivers, said the villagers.

Even as the likelihood of a showdown was on, a civilian identified as M Tomba who was on his way from Nongpok Keithelmanbi on scooter was stopped by the USRA cadres near the suspension bridge who insisted that he gives a ride to two of them to search for some of their colleagues.

Accordingly two cadres, one attired in civil dress and the other in battle fatigues got on the scooter behind Tomba.

As the scooter approached Ngamukhong village, the suspected KNF cadres who were already waiting in ambush opened fire from close range.

M Tomba and Malsawm Vaiphei were hit by a fusillade of bullets.

The other suspected USRA cadre, dressed in battle fatigues managed to escape after crossing Thoubal river and through the field, said the villagers further.

On hearing the loud report of gun fire, the suspected USRA cadres who were negotiating with the drivers left the place hastily and made their way through the Thoubal river.

M Tomba who was grievously wounded passed away while he was being rushed to Imphal in one of the trucks.

Malsawm died on the spot.

On receiving reports of the incident a team of thoubal police commandos and 32 Assam Rifles rushed to the spot and conducted search operations.

Personnel of 155 Bn BSF stationed at Chingmeirong also rushed in to the spot and recovered one AK rifle magazine along with 15 live rounds.