Imphal, February 14 2009: Security forces and suspected UG cadres exchanged fire near Maphou Dam at about 5.30 pm yesterday.

According to police, unidentified persons started firing towards the 6th IRB post located there from the side of civilian settlements located near the dam from long range.

Although IRB personnel retaliated, there has been no report of any casualty on either side.

Following exchange of firing, a combined team of IRB personnel and troops of 23 AR pulled up and detained seven innocent villagers of Louphoung, said a press release issued by the Mapithel Dam Affected Ching-Tam Organisation.

The combined team pulled up S Ngathing Khui last night.

S Banner, Kh Thomathing, AS Mathew, KA David and KH Veromi, all belonging to Louphoung were also pulled up this morning.

No arrest memo was issued when the combined team apprehended the seven.

Decrying the security act, the body urged the Govt to stop security forces from committing excesses against innocent villagers.

It also asked the Govt to review the Project anew and make necessary arrangements for rehabilitation of the affected people.