Imphal, February 20: In the biggest strike during the State Assembly election process, militants attacked an IRB party escorting poll officials and materials killing two officials and one jawan and injuring 12 others besides snatching six weapons near Laikhong village around 7 km from Maphou Dam under Yairipok police station at 12.30 this afternoon.

State DGP AA Siddiqui has announced Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia to the family of the deceased jawan.

The police chief also gave Rs 10,000 each to the injured jawan and promised to bear the medical expenses.

Reports reaching here said that the militants mounted the attack while the 2nd IR (12 MR) team led by one Assistant Commandant was transporting the poll officials and materials to 46/30 Maphou Kuki and 46/31 Kamu Seijanglom in Saikul A/c.the convoy comprised of two IRB Gypgys, four 407 Mini Tatas, one bus and one Canter.

One Jawan later narrated that the Mini Tata was leading the convoy with the bus carrying the jawans bringing up the rear when the attack came.

As soon as the Mini Tata started negotiating a turn near Laikhong village, the militants exploded a booby trap near the Gypgy carrying AC Heikrujam Nimai and some jawans.

Three more bombs were exploded in quick succession.

The militants also started firing from a very range, he said.

The IRB also returned the fire.

The militants shot dead one Md Sabir Khan (25) of Kwakta from point blank range, who fired indiscriminately towards the militants.

During the gunfight, the militants swooped down on the Gypsy carrying the AC and took away six weapons.

The weapons include three SLRs, one carbine and two 9mm pistols.

The deceased poll officials are Naorem Gojen (40) o Pangei bazar, a Village Level Worker and Thangkholen Lunkim, headmaster of Maojang Government Aided JB School.

The injured have been evacuated to the RIMS.

AC Nimai sustained injuries at his back and right arm.

DGP Siddiqui visited the injured at the RIMS.

Meanwhile Senapati DC and RO Panmei said that polling will be carried out undisturbed in the district despite the attack.