Imphal, December 27: Two youths were shot dead by unidentified armed persons atop the hill of Changamdabi Sagol Lou Khabei Leikai about 8 kms North of Yairipok police station last night.

The slain youths have been identified as Md Izu Khan (17) s/o Alimuddin of Yairipok Tulihal Mayai Leikai and Md Raju Khan (16) s/o late Abdul Matlib of Yairipok Tulihal Konjil Leikai.

According to inputs received from family members of the deceased, Raju Khan left home for Changamdabi at about 11 am yesterday to deliver invitation cards for the marriage of one of his maternal uncles.

As the two failed to return till late evening, the family members started searching for them at Changamdabi.

Unable to trace the duo, local people joined the families in searching for the missing duo this morning during which their corpses were found atop the hill at about 6 am.

The hands and legs of the two youths were found tied.

A bullet which hit Izu Khan near his lip exited through the back side of the head.

Raju Khan was hit by a bullet on the right chin which exited through the left side.

According to the family members, both the deceased were not related with any UG group.

Earlier, they were working in a bakery at Yairipok Bazar before they switched on to agricultural works.

However, a source informed that both the deceased were activists of PULF (Umar Farooq group).

They might have been killed in a clash between factions of the banned outfit, it said.

Both the corpses have been handed over to their respective family members after post mortem at Lilong PHC.

Later, a joint action committee constituted in connection with the killing called on Chief Minister O Ibobi and asked that ex-gratia be given to the families of the deceased.

The Chief Minister reportedly assured the JAC representatives that ex-gratia will be provided to the families if the two deceased are found innocent after an investigation by police.