Imphal, August 13, 2009: Assam Rifles in a statement today while claiming that three to four underground killed in the gunfight at Sakok village in Ukhrul district yesterday reiterated that the force will continued to take strong and effective action against any militant outfit operating against the security forces or indulging in anti-national activities.

Meanwhile, a highly reliable source said that in the clash three cadres of the NSCN (IM) including one self style major named Reisang were killed in the gun battle that lasted around five to six hours.

In a statement issued by the PRO, IGAR (S) today said that the gunfight occurred when Ar troops of 23 AR on ROP duty was opened fired at by unidentified undergrounds near Sakok village under Phungyar sub-division yesterday at around 8.40 am.

The troops immediately retaliated and firefight ensued.

At around 12 noon, once again the militants attacked on the AR troops at the general area at south of Hundung Goda and tried to take advantage of the thick vegetation and tough terrain.

The troops effectively retaliated.

In the followed up operation, AR have recovered two dead bodies of the militants along with arms, ammunitions and warlike stores, the statement said adding that intercepts of the conversion between the militants and intelligence inputs reveal that three to four militants have been killed.

It also stated the militants group are likely to be NSCN(IM) cadres moving alongwith some unidentified valley base insurgent groups.

Assam Rifles took outmost care to carry out the task to avoid collateral damage to the civilians, it stated adding that the force will continue to take strong and effective action against any militant outfit operating against the security forces or indulging in anti-national activities.

On the other hand, a highly reliable source said that three cadres of NSCN (IM) including one self style major Reisang were killed in the gun battle that lasted around five to six hours.

The NSCN (I-M) were on patrol under the command of the self style major and around three to five seriously injured on Assam Rifles side.