Imphal, March 18 2009:: Troops of 29 Assam Rifles reportedly gunned down three KCP cadres during an encounter near the border area yesterday.

According to statement issued by PRO Assam Rifles today, based on specific information regarding infiltration of UG cadres in general area of Moirangthel and Border Pillar no.88, troops of 29 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in general area of Moirangthel and Yangoupokpi and laid multiple ambushes yesterday.

At around 4 pm, the troops observed suspicious movement of the militants who opened fire towards the approaching troops with lathodes and automatic weapons and tried to flee cross the International border.

The troops responded immediately.

The intermittent exchange of fire continued for half an hour and in this exchange of firefight three KCP cadres were killed and the same was confirmed by the EW intercept.

However, the fleeing militants took awat the bodies of the slain militants across the International border.