Imphal, November 09 2008: Assistant finance secretary and Thoubal district army commander of the armed group PULF, Abdul Kalam alias Haroon Sheikh (28) of Lilong Yangbi Leikai has been shot dead during a reported encounter with troops of 32 Assam Rifles at Hiyangthang today evening.

The encounter took place at Hiyangthang Tarahei Konjil Awang Leikai, about 7 kms North of Wangoi police station at about 5.20 pm.

According to Assam Rifles sources, PULF (MI Khan) assistant finance secretary and Thoubal district commander Abdul Kalam was earlier operating in Manipur through telephone while he himself was staying at Ara, Bihar.

Acting on specific tip off that Abdul Kalam was taking shelter at Lilong, troops of 32 AR conducted raid in Lilong area.

However, he managed to evade arrest and fled.

Again, two teams of 32 AR troops, acting on information provided by another source, moved to Hiyangthang area from Lilong and Canchipur COBs.

There, the troops launched a search operation.

Soon three UG cadres fired upon the troops who retaliated immediately resulting in a shoot out for about 10 minutes.

Abdul Kalam was shot dead during the encounter while the other two who wielded sophisticated weapons managed to escape taking advantage of the low vision, conveyed an AR PRO release.

AR troops have been looking for Abdul Kalam since Idul Fitr day.

He was also former commander of Bishnupur district.

One 9 mm pistol, six live rounds, four driving licences, passport photographs, Rs 700 in cash and three coins were recovered from the possession of Abdul Kalam, the source added.