Imphal, February 17, 2010: Moirangthem Naotomba alias Dinesh s/o M Yaima of Tera Lukram Leirak and Moirangthem Nanao s/o M Panchom of Waikhong Laimanai who were killed in a reported encounter with troops of 12 AR at Nambashi in Ukhrul district on February 11 were deserters, said a press release issued by the UNLF�s senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba.

The third individual killed together with Nanao and Naotomba might be Salam Khakpa alias Premjit s/o S Ibomcha of Serou Ingkhol, another deserter who fled together, derived the outfit.

Saying that the three deserters fled away from MPA�s 241 Bn Gqs on February 4, the outfit alleged that the individuals were killed in a fake encounter.

The deserters did not take any weapons with them when they fled away.

Two sections of MPA scattered and pursued the trio.

But from the words of some villagers, it was learnt that two of them have been pulled down from a bus by some Naga rebels.

Referring to news reports that two of the UG suspects slain at Nambashi have been identified as Naotomba and Nanao, the outfit asserted that all the three deserters were shot dead by Assam Rifles on February 11 after taking them into their custody using Naga rebels.

There were many instances where combined team of security forces and Naga rebels attacked MPA positions only to withdraw in defeat, it conveyed.

The three deserters were shot dead in a fake encounter after extracting all possible information like MPA positions, movements etc thinking that their utility was exhausted.

It further alleged that all deserters and betrayers who are taking refuge with security forces would be shot dead in similar manner as and when their utility to security forces is thought exhasuted.