Imphal, July 06 2009: The proscribed UNLF has alleged that Sgt Maj Khoirom Echen alias Ratan Kumar s/o Kh Irabot of Moidangpok Khunjao Awang Leikai was killed in a fake encounter by a combined team of Thoubal police commandos and troops of 34 AR yesterday morning.

A press release issued by the outfit's senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba asserted that local people saw the combined force pulling up Sgt Maj Echen from Yairipok road.

He was shot dead in an isolated area along the road leading to Kabrang, it contended.

Reacting to the claim of the Thoubal Additional SP that weapon was recovered Echen, the outfit asserted that Echen had no weapon with him when he was apprehended.

Condoling the dealth of Sgt Maj Echen, the outfit also shared the pain and grief being endured by the bereaved family.