Imphal, February 28 2009: A non-local barber was shot dead by an unidentified gun man inside his saloon at Sagolband at about 7.30 am today. The deceased barber identified as Suresh Thakur (22) s/o Somnath Thakur was a native of Chhapra district, Bihar but staying near Uripok Cheirap Court.

He was shot dead by a youth who came to the saloon on the pretext of having a hair cut.

Suresh Thakur was hit by a bullet on the right side of his head.

The saloon was opened/run by one Birendra Thakur just opposite to Bijoy Govinda Thangapat on the southern side of Imphal-Jiribam road.

Birendra Thakur, a relative of Suresh, said that he saw one youth going inside the saloon when he was sun-bathing outside.

Moments after, a gun shot was heard.

On rushing inside the saloon, Suresh Thakur was seen lying on the floor.

The assailant who wore jean pants and wind-proof jackets wielding small arms left the place in an auto-rickshaw heading towards Khwairamband Keithel, Birendra conveyed.

The identity of the killer and the possible motive behind the killing cannot be ascertained as yet, said a senior officer of Imphal West Police.

He said that investigation into the killing has been initiated.

This is the first incident of attacking non-locals this year after 15 non-local labourers were shot dead by gun men at Hayel Hangoon and other areas of the valley on March 17 and 18 last year.

Another four non-local labourers were also mowed down in the different areas of Imphal East and Imphal West districts on June 24 last year.