Imphal, November 06 2008: CLAIMS AND counter claims between the police on one hand and the family members of the deceased on the other, have cropped up with regard to the two persons killed yesterday evening in an alleged encounter with the Thoubal police commandos at Thoubal Khunou in Thoubal district.

Although the family members of the deceased have given different versions regarding the incident, the police claimed that the two deceased were suspected underground cadres who were killed in a shoot out at Thoubal Khunou on Wednesday evening at around 6.30 .

During a frisking routine of the police commandos, the militants began to shoot at the security forces.

The SF personnel retaliated in which the suspected militants were killed, alleged the police press release.

A .32 pistol loaded with four live rounds and one China-made hand-grenade were recovered from the deceased, informed the press release.

On the other hand, family members have identified the two slain persons.

They claimed that the two persons were innocent civilians who were picked up by the Thoubal police commandos and then killed later.

They have been identified as Phamdom Inaocha (39), son of Ph Rajen of Arapti Lilong, a father of two children and a former LIC agent and Md Musha @ Ibomcha (28) son of (L) Banyamin of Lilong bazaar and also a father of two kids.

Protesting the 'killing of innocent people', family members of the deceased stated that these two persons were picked up from the house of Md Najibul (28) son of Nizamuddin by the Thoubal police commandos and were killed later.

A Joint Action Committee (JAC) was formed against the killing at a public meeting held at Lilong bazaar.

The meeting resolved to demand repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

The resolution also demanded payment of ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakhs for each of the two deceased from the government.

Or else intense agigations would be launched.

The office bearers of the JAC led by its convenor Md Kabir and S Bhogendro submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister this evening.

Meanwhile, a cadre of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) was arrested by the Thoubal police commandos at Lilong Mairenkhong at around 4:40 a.m.today.

The arrested militant has been identified as Md Nijamuddin (31) son of Md.Feijuddin of Lilong Mairenkhong.

He was arrested from his house along with explosive substances of about 250gm from his possession, stated the police press note.