Imphal, January 04 2008: The two alleged PLA cadres shot dead by troops of 29 AR during a reported encounter at Narum village under Tengnoupal police station on December 21 last were deserters, clarified RPF/PLA.

A press release issued by the RPF's Department of Communication and Publicity chief GM Changjou said that the alleged PLA cadres Moirangmayum Helen alias pte Alvis (Army no 3123) s/o M Rajendro Singh of Ingurok Khunou and Wangkhem Babu alias Pte Amujao (Army no 3152) s/o late Dinababu of Jiribam Leingangpokpi fled from the outfit's camp at about 2 am of December 18 .

Since then, the party has snapped all relations with the two individuals, the outfit clarified.

In another press release, the outfit clarified that it was not connected with the killing of 4th IRB Rifleman Shijagurumayum Surjit Sharma (30) s/o late S Bira of Sekta Makha Leikai.

Surjit was shot dead by unidentified persons at about 5.30 pm of December 26 at Loushangkhong Awang Leikai.