Imphal, September 30: A heavy exchange of gun fire between a combined force of Thoubal police commandos and troops of 21 AR and suspected PREPAK cadres took place near Dhaballo canal located in between Khoidumpat and Pumlenpat, west of Hiyanglam Hiranmei village in Thoubal district this afternoon.

Even though there was no confirmed report of any casualty on the part of the combined force, blood stains observed at the encounter site suggested that there might be some casualties or death on the part of the UG cadres, informed a police source.

Acting on a specific tip off, the combined team moved in to the area.

However, they came under heavy attack from suspected cadres of PREPAK Cobra Task Force at about 3.30 pm.

The UG cadres reportedly used lethod guns.

This was followed by heavy exchange of fire between the two sides for almost an hour.

As the reinforcements arrived, the suspected PREPAK cadres numbering about 10 withdrew towards the lake and escaped firing all the while.

The combined force turned back at dusk.

Even though the shoot-out started with a team of combined force who came in four Maruti Gypsys, a large number of security personnel arrived at the scene as reinforcement soon after, conveyed the local people.