Imphal, February 07: Contrary to the report of last night�s retaliatory firing by the escort party of MPP candidate from Lamshang AC S Rajen during an alleged encounter with underground activists while returning from election campaign at Patsoi Part-VI, it has come to light that the escort party had actually fired at the personnel of Maratha Light Infantry and not at underground activists.

According to information received by the press, as the candidate along with his escort was returning home after election campaigns, the personnel of Maratha Light Infantry all of a tokk on the paddy field located at the side of the road.

Presuming that the MLI men may be armed persons lying in wait, the escort party of the candidate fired towards the security personnel.

Naik Alhad Jayawant Laxman of MLI was hit by a bullet on his left thigh in the firing.

The injured personnel has been evacuated to Leimakhong Army Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, in a statement made available to the press, Rajen expressed regret over the firing incident between his escort party and personnel of MLI on last night due to some misunderstanding.

While praising the patience of the the MLI men in ensuring no further ugly development followed, Rajen also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel.

AR man hurt : A jawan of the 13 Assam Rifles reportedly sustained injuries during an encounter with suspected cadres of NSCN (I-M) at Siroy in Ukhrul district at around 2 pm today.

The identity of the injured AR jawan could not be established till the time of filing this report nor confirm any casualty on the side of NSCN (I-M) cadres.

The AR men exercised restraint, claimed the security men.