Imphal, November 14 2009: Troops of Assam Rifles have gunned down to suspected underground cadres during a shoot-out that reportedly took place in a Chandel district area, close to the Indo-Myanmar border.

The gun-fight that broke out at around 4.30 am today involved troops of the 31 Assam Rifles who laid an ambush near border pillar No 81, said a police source quoting Assam Rifles report.

As per report submitted by the Assam Rifles authorities, the troops engaged some unidentified armed persons and slain two of them near the border pillar, which is about 8 kilometres north of Moreh police station.

A statement issued by the PRO IGAR (S) on the incident, said on discovering movement of militant cadres in general area Border Pillar No.81, 31 AR troops under HQs IGAR (S) launched operations on November 13 and consequently noticed suspicious movement of some persons at about 4.30 am today.

On being challenged, the persons fired with auto weapons to which the AR troops also retaliated resulting in the elimination of two, whose bodies along with recovered items were handed over to Moreh PS at 10.45 am today.

It is informed that on further search of the encounter site the AR troops recovered one M-16 rifle with magazine and 12 rounds, a 9mm pistol with magazine and four rounds, an RPG shell with booster and two hand grenades.

The grenades were subsequently exploded near the spot.

bodies of both victims have been brought to RIMS morgue by a team of Moreh police station in late afternoon for identification and necessary procedures.

The victims are clad in camouflage uniforms and combat boots.