Imphal, June 01 2009: A suspected underground activist was shot dead by Assam Rifles during a reported encounter at Waithou Chingol along Imphal-Moreh stretch of the National Highway 39.In a statement PRO Hqs IGAR (S), said that the troops established a mobile vehicle check post in the area on getting specific information regarding movement of armed cadres between Thoubal and Lilong along NH-39 .

At around 11.30 pm, the troops signalled a motor cycle to stop, the release said and added that instead of stopping the rider turned the vehicle and the pillion rider opened fire at AR troops.

The troops retaliated and the pillion rider was shot dead.

One revolver, two live rounds and misfired rounds were recovered from the slain man.

The body of the deceased has been handed over to Lilong police station today, added the press release.

According to police report, the encounter took place between suspected underground activists and personnel of 28 Assam Rifles 45 minutes past midnight yesterday at Waithou Chingol which is under the jurisdiction of Thoubal police.

During the encounter, AR personnel killed one UG suspect and recovered one revolver and two ammunition from his possession.

Though the identity of the slain UG suspect has not yet been confirmed, it is believed that he may be one Khangenbam Malesh alias Rishikesh (37) s/o Sanajaoba of Kumbi Eshingchaibi Leikai.

According to sources, he was a member of RPF some 13 years back.

Meanwhile, the body of another UG suspect who was killed by a combined force of Thoubal Police Commandos and personnel of 20 Assam Rifles during a reported encounter last night along the road connecting Kakching and Pallel is also still lying at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital as it is yet to be identified.