Imphal, August 12 2009: At least three cadres of the NSCN (IM) were reportedly killed while another ten were injured in a shoot out with troops of Assam Rifles at a spot in between Shakok village and Phalang on the Ukhrul-Phungyar road today.

Shakok village is located about 12 kms north of Phungyar.

There is however no official confirmation as yet, as the AR PRO refused to comment on the matter.

According to reports received here, the shoot out ensued between the troops and NSCN (IM) cadres, who were with members of another armed group today at about 9 am.

Three IM cadres were killed, said reports.

One AK-47 rifle has also been recovered from the slain cadres.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, SDPO of Ukhrul police said that a body of a cadre belonging to the IM group, has been handed over to the Shangshak police station.

The police officer further said that the encounter was with troops of 23 Assam Rifles.

An independent source however said that at least five cadres of the IM group must have been killed in the shoot out.

On being contacted, Church secretary of Phungyar, M Siro said that there are reports that three IM men were killed in a shoot out with Assam Rifles troops today.

The encounter lasted for about three hours, he added.

The Church leader said that when he along with the SDO of Phungyar tried to proceed to the site of the encounter, they were barred from doing so by the troops.

All male members of Shakok village have fled, said the Church secretary.

A team of Ukhrul police led by the SDPO has reportedly rushed to the site of the encounter.

Our Ukhrul correspondent reports, that as news of the incident spread, panic set in at Ukhrul town today.

All shops and business establishments closed down early, as talks started doing the round that the Assam Rifles troops may conduct search operations in the town.

When The Sangai Express contacted the PRO of Assam Rifles, he refused to comment on the matter.

This is not the first time, that trouble has erupted between the NSCN (IM) and the Assam Rifles in Ukhrul district.

In January this year, troops of 17 Assam Rifles laid siege to an IM camp at Siroy village for days, leading to high tension.

The cadres were finally given safe passage.

Chief Minister Ibobi had also categorically stated that there is no designated camps of the NSCN (IM) in Manipur.