Imphal, July 14 2009: One suspected cadre of the proscribed UNLF has been slain in a reported encounter with a combined team of Thoubal District commandos and troops of 34 Assam Rifles at Wangbal in Thoubal district last night.

According to a press release issued by Thoubal SSP Clay Khongsai, the shoot-out ensued as the combined force moved to Wangbal area, following specific tip-off about movement of UG cadres in the area.

The security personnel were lying in ambush near Wangbal Khongnangkhong, on the canal bank along Imphal-Moreh road of NH 39, when they observed two/three persons coming out from Wangbal-Sangaiyum-pham inter-village road in a suspicious manner at about 8.15 pm.

They were caught unaware when the security team shouted to halt.

But in the next moment they opened fire towards the personnel and fled in different directions.

The combined team retaliated and there was a shoot-out for about seven minutes in which one UG suspect was killed.

The others managed to escape under cover of the darkness.

Later on searching the spot, one 9 mm pistol, one magazine containing four live rounds, one high-explosive hand grenade and a receipt book of 18 pages emblazon with the name 'RK Bidyananda Khoijanba' were recovered from near the slain individual, added the SSP's press release.

Meanwhile, the deceased has been identified as one RK Bidyananda (32) s/o late Dhabalosana of Chingmeirong Maning Leikai.

It is reported that Bidyananda as working in a jewellery shop at Yairipok Chingtha.

He was reportedly picked up by suspected security personnel while he was playing football at Yairipok.

He was arrested and imprisoned about a year back.

Bidyananda left behind his wife, two daughters and two sons, informed family members.