Imphal, May 10 2009: Assam Rifles has claimed that the paramilitary force were able to deal a major blow to the cadres of the proscribed UNLF in a shoot-out that took place at near International Border Pillar No 110 in southern Ukhrul yesterday.

A press statement issued by PRO Hqs IGAR (South) said the operation was carried out by troops of 12 AR against the cadres of the outfit after getting information regarding their presence in the area.

At around 4:35 am, the statement said, the troops spotted the cadres at a place, which is at a distance of 600 metres to the west of Pillar No 110 .

The troops successfully engaged a gunfight with the cadres, the statement said and added that search of the area revealed blood trails leading to the International Border and beyond.

Information from ground sources later confirmed a number of UNLF cadres killed and many injured in the encounter, it added.

In another incident, 21 AR scalped one KIA cadre in an encounter at the general area of Sekmaijin yesterday.

One AK 56 Rifle with magazine, one grenade launcher, one M-97 lathode, 40 mm spring field armoury-US, 15 live rounds of AK-56, three 40 mm live grenades of lathode and three fire cases were recovered from the slain cadre.