Imphal, December 29: Three suspected underground activists have been reportedly killed by personnel of 18 Assam Rifles during an encounter which broke out at around 5.45 am today at a spot in between Kuljang and Wangphu village under Tengnoupal Police Station of Chandel District.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition have also been recovered from the possession of the slain UG suspects.

According to a statement issued by PRO of HQ IGAR (S) in connection with the encounter, based on specific intelligence, columns of 18 Assam Rifles under 26 Sector of HQ IGAR (South) launched a massive operation in the think jungles of general area of Kuljang in Chandel district since last night.

In the course of the operation, at around 5.45 am today, the troops established contact with the UGs.

In a well-coordinated and executed operation, the area was surrounded by the troops and UGs were fired at till 6.10 am.

The area was searched and three unidentified bodies of the UGs were recovered.

Two automatic weapons, one UG made carbine and another 9 mm Sten carbine were recovered from the spot.

The bodies along with the recovered arms were handed over to Tengnoupal Police Station today, the PRO added.

According to information received by the press, exchange of firing between the UG suspects and the AR personnel which took place at a spot in between Kuljang and Wungphu village, located some 45/50 kms east of Tengnoupal Police Station lasted for half an hour.

The three UG suspects, all clad in camouflage, were killed during the encounter.

The seizure include one UG carbine, one magazine, 16 live rounds of ammunition, four empty cartridges, one local made carbine, one magazine, 12 live rounds of AK Rifles, two pouches of magazine, one track-suit, one jean pant, one bag, one blank pocket diary, one purse containing Rs 162 and some rice.

All the bodies have picked up and deposited at the mortuary of RIMS for identification.

One of the slain UG suspects has his ears pierced.

Tengnoupal Police Station has registered a case in this connection.