Imphal, January 18: Three KCP (MC) cadres were killed in an encounter with a combined force of Imphal West and Imphal East commandos at Tharoijam Maning Leikai, about 4 kms North of Patsoi police station, at about 10.30 today morning.

According to information culled from the site, commandos surrounded the residential compound of Chingangbam Damu at Tharoijam Maning Leikai at about 10.20 am.

The commando team first pulled up a youth from the gate of Damu following which two more youths were also picked up from the home of Damu. Shortly after, gun shots were heard in the surrounding area.

Just as the firing ceased, two youths were found shot dead by the side of Damu's kitchen while another youth was found shot dead at the bamboo grove of Keisam Tomba, located in the immediate neighbourhood.

Of the three youths slain by commandos, one was identified as Naobi of Senjam Chirang.

He came to Damu's home at about 7.30 pm of January 16.The other two arrived there yesterday.

They had had their lunch this morning.

However, according to police reports, the encounter ensued when the combined commando team moved in to the area on receiving information about presence of some UG cadres there.

The three UG cadres were slain in a gun fight.

Two 9 mm pistols, five live rounds and four letterheads of KCP (MC) were recovered from the slain cadres.

The letterheads were signed by District Commander KC Meitei and Commander-in-Chief Lanjaba Khuman.

The three corpses have been deposited at RIMS mortuary.

In another incident Commandos of Imphal West shot dead one UG suspect today at about 7.55 pm inside the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex just in front of the Kang Shang in a shoot out.

Speaking to reporters at the site of the incident today evening, SP of Imphal West Clay Khongsai said that three suspected militants were seen moving in a suspicion manner.

When the police commandos signalled them to stop, one of them pulled out a grenade and tried to lob it towards the police, said the SP and added that the commandos opened fire killing one of them on the spot.

The other two managed to escape under cover of the dark, said the police officer.

One hand grenade was recovered from the slain UG suspect.

A driving license in the name of Henkholen Haokip of Haokip Veng was recovered from the slain man.

The identity of the deceased is however yet to be established officially and the body has been taken to RIMS morgue for identification.