Imphal, May 07 2009: Two suspected underground activists have reportedly gunned down by security personnel in separate encounters that took part in different parts of the State today.

In the first encounter, troops of 31 Assam Rifles gunned down one suspected UG cadre during an early morning encounter at New Shijang village today while a combined force of Thoubal Police Commandos and personnel of 34 Assam Rifles shot dead another UG suspect during a late evening shoot out at Salungpham in Thoubal district.

In connection with the first encounter, PRO Assam Rifles in a statement said that based on specific information regarding the movement of UG cadres across the Indo-Myanmar border, troops of 31 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) laid multiple ambushes in general area of New Shijang village today.

At around 4.30 am, the ambush party observed movement of a suspected UG cadre and challenged him.

But the individual immediately hurled a hand grenade and opened fire on the troops in order to flee across the border.

The troops chased after the UG suspect and shot him dead.

One point 25 pistol (Spanish) with magazine, four live rounds, two fire cases and one hand grenade have been recovered from the possession of the slain UG cadre, the PRO Assam Rifles said, adding that the body of the slain UG cadre alongwith the recovered items have been handed over to Moreh Police Station later during the day.

In the second encounter which took place at Salungpham at around 7.45 pm today, the combined force of Thoubal Police Commandos and 34 Assam Rifles shot dead another UG suspect.

According to police report, one carbine Sten-gun and three live rounds of ammunition have been recovered from the possession of the UG suspect whose identity is yet to be established.