Imphal, November 08, 2008: In yet another instance of UG threat, unidentified armed UG cadres opened fire two rounds near the Hiyangthang Maning Leikai residential gate of a Section Officer while a suspected underground activist has been gunned down by troops of the Assam Rifles at near Irilbung Forest Gate tonight.

The Irilbung shoot-out reportedly took place at around 9 pm and involved troops of the 32 Assam Rifles.

One .32 pistol has been recovered from the deceased whose identity is yet to be established.

On the otherhand, the SO is identified as Sagolsem Bihari (54), and works in the Flood Control Division-IV of Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

The firing took place at around 10.30 pm yesterday.

In denunciation of the attack, a protest demonstration was staged by the people of the locality at Hiyangthang Keithel today.

According to the protestors, as the unidentified armed persons came sneaking after unhooking the latch of the gate made of binding wire, some of the family members shouted taking the armed intruders, who took to their heels, by surprise.

However, before they fled, the armed intruders opened fire two rounds near the gate.

The protestors further informed that SO Bihari had not received any threat or monetary demand from any UG groups in the past.

Placards inscribed with slogans like 'Don't resort to firing in public places', 'We don't want to hear sound of gun', 'Lets the sound of peace echoes', etc were seen being used at the protest venue.

Meanwhile, Hiyangthang Apunba Ima Meira Paibee Lup has strongly condemned the incident of firing attack at the residential gate of SO Bihari.