Imphal, October 07 2009: At the instance of one injured cadre of KYKL (MDF), who was arrested after the shoot out incidents at Leimaram and Tingkai Khunou in Bishnupur district, police today recovered one Mauser pistol from the car used by the cadres arrested earlier.

Talking to media-persons, SP of Bishnupur K Jayentakumar said that following a special tip off that one of the injured cadres was taking shelter at Moirang, a combined force of Bishnupur Police Comandos and personnel of 4/8 GR launched a search operation since last morning and the injured hard-core cadre, later identified as Kiyam Ibomcha alias Lamyanba alias Thapa alias Amuba (31) s/o late Yaima of Moirang Panshang Leikai, was finally arrested at around 4 pm today.

At his instance, the Mauser pistol was recovered along with a magazine loaded with one bullet from the windshield channel of the right door of the Maruti car (MN-01W/3291) which had earlier been picked up from the site of the encounter.

It may be recalled here that shoot out took place not long after the Maruti car carrying three cadres/activists of the KYKL (MDF) namely Heikham Thanil alias Newton (18) of Tumukhong, who had undergone training at Myanmar; Yambem Biren (36) of Bashikhong Kongba Irong who identified himself as chief report of the Imphal-based daily Sanaleibak; Hijam Priyokumar (38) of Naoremthong Samushang Lairembi Leirak who identified himself as a mechanic in the Excel automobile workshop at Sangaiprou arrived.

All three of them are in police custody now.

SP Jayantakumar further said that during the course of interrogation it has been established that Biren and Priyokumar work in close nexus with MDF.

Quoting the statement of Ibomcha alias Thapa, who was found undergoing treatment of the bullet injuries on this left chin, the SP said Ibomcha himself was involved in the first encounter which took place at Laimaram Shanti Bazar and the M-16 Rifles recovered from a Tata DI Mini truck (MN-04A/3291) was used by him.

After remaining hiding from place to place the whole night (intervening night of October 3 and 4), the following morning after the troops have withdrawn other MDF cadres came searching for Ibomcha and with the help of sympathisers Ibomcha was brought to Moirang.

On the way, the combat dress worn by him was removed and changed into some civilian dress taken from some people who were working in the field.

On October 3, Biren and Priyokumar had taken Rs 3 lakhs from a place in North AOC Imphal.

From there, they went to Paona Bazar to buy combat dresses, caps, goggles.

Afterward, they purchased four bottles of liquor and headed for Leimaram.

Apart from escorting the DI Tata Mini Truck by the car in which they have come, the screws of the hardboard of the windshield channel of the right door was removed to hide the Mauser pistol.

The pistol had been given by Thanil for use, the SP said, adding that Biren and Priyokumar have also met Birajao and Uttam of MDF.

Meanwhile, Bishnupur District Police Commandos have reportedly arrested three cadres of the proscribed UNLF along with two pistols from their possession during a search operation in Heikrujam village early in the morning yesterday.

The arrested cadres have been identified as SS lance corporal Ningthoujam Tomba alias Chaoba alias Lamthaba alias Suresh (22) s/o Thoiba of Nongmaikhong Makha Leikai, SS Pvt Thokchom Seityajit alias Naobi (29) s/o late Manoranjan of Yaiskul Hiruhanba Nambul Mapal and Brahmacharimayum Baldev alias Naocha alias Nganthoi Sharma (30) s/o Binpujari of Heikrujam.

Apart from two pistols, two magazines and 12 live ammuntion have also been recovered from their possession, the SP said, adding that Nambol police have registered a case in this connection.

Meanwhile the All Manipur Working Journalist Union, taking due consideration of the prima facie evidences against Y Biren, has decided to suspend him from the primary membership of the Union.