Imphal, May17 2009: A suspected underground activist was shot dead by a combined force during an early morning encounter near Angangching Eco-Park under Kakching Police Station of Thoubal district today.

Issuing a statement on behalf of Senior Superintendent of Police of Thoubal District Clay Khongsai in connection with the incident, Additional SP Jogeshchandra Haobijam informed that the encounter broke out during the course of a search operation conducted by a combined force of Thoubal District Police Commandos and personnel of 21 Assam Rifles.

Based on specific information on the movement of UGs towards Lamjao from Angangching via Tejpur, the combined force launched search operation starting from 4 am at Angangching, Ikoppat and surrounding area of Kakching.

At around 5.50 am, the security personnel noticed three youths who came riding on a Honda Activa changed their direction and tried to escape on the road leading to the hospital on seeing the security personnel.

Suspicious of their manner, the security personnel shouted at them to stop.

However, instead of stopping, the unidentified youths started opening fire at the security personnel.

In the retaliatory firing, the security killed one of the youth while the other two managed to escape along the village road.

Further search led to recovery of one 9 mm pistol, one magazine and five rounds of ammunition from near the body of the slain youth whose identity is yet to be established, the statement added.

However, according to information received by the press, the slain youth is likely to be one Elangbam Bony alias Bishorjit (33) s/o Sanayaima of Wabagai near Pole Star College.