Imphal, February 19 2009: A combined team of Thoubal district police commandos and troops of 34 Assam Rifles gunned down a suspected underground activist at around 11.10 am today Tentha-Ikop area.

According to police report, the combined team recovered one 9 mm pistol with a magazine and three rounds besides a hand-grenade from near the deceased who was later identified by family members as Wahengbam Premjit (20) s/o Lukhoi of Kakching Turel Wangma Ward No 5 .

last rites of the victim had been conducted after the body was claimed from Lilong PHC.

On the other hand regarding the shoot-out that took place in between Thanagom and Duithangjang of Khoupum subdivision in Tamenglong district yesterday, police sources conveyed that death toll had risen to five out of which identities of two had been established.

While four were killed on the spot yesterday morning, the fifth succumbed to injuries at around 9 pm after being brought to Khoupum PHC, informed the source adding that all the corpse (in combat dress) were brought to RIMS morgue today.

Badges on the victims' uniform are inscribed with 'Naga Army', the police said identifying one of the deceased as Guidinlung (18) s/o Johnson of Lukhambi village near Noney sub-division.

The other victim has been identified Keisham Gugu s/o Doren.

Gugu, who originally hailed from Uripok Bachaspati Leikai had shifted to his aunt's Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai residence some 20 years back, said a source.

It is also informed that intervention by members/volunteers of Rongmei Women's Association (Rongmei Lu Phuam) resulted in cessation of the gun-fight after about three hours of encounter between cadres of armed groups.

Coffins and clothes to wrap them (coffins) were also provided by the women volunteers.

Police suspect involvement of the NSCN (IM) against a combination of two other armed groups in the bloody shoot-out.

meanwhile, body of the suspected UG cadre gunned down by troops of 8 Assam Rifles in Gamngai village of Chakpikarong on February 17 night is still awaiting identification at the RIMS morgue.