Lamka, March 16 2009: In all seven suspected underground activists were shot dead by security personnel in reported encounters that took place in different parts of the State during the just concluded 5-day long Yaoshang festival.

According to police report, on March 12 at around 11.35 am one suspected UG was shot dead during an encounter with Imphal West Police Commandos at Lamdeng Lambi Khundi Khul under Lamshang Police Station.

One 9 mm pistol loaded with two live rounds of ammunition and one Nokia handset were recovered from the possession of the slain UG suspect, who was later identified as Thokchom Momocha (31) of Sega Road Konjeng Hajari Dhobi Machu Leirak.

However, claiming that the victim is an innocent person, a Joint Action Committee had been formed and agitation launched in protest against the killing.

The body has been nonetheless taken by the bereaved family members for performing the last rites.

At around 6.15 pm of March 14, a combined force of Imphal East District Police Commandos and personnel of 28 Assam Rifles gunned down two suspected activists of the armed group PULF during an encounter at Keirao Langdum Nungjrengbi Chingkhong under Irilbung Police Station of Imphal East district.

In connection with the incident, police sources said that the combined force was rushing in to the area on receipt of specific information about the presence of UG cadres when they saw four youths moving around suspiciously.

The combined force asked the youths to stop but instead of stopping, the youths opened fire at the combined force who promptly retaliated the firing.

In the ensuing gun battle, two suspected UGs were killed while the other two managed to escape under cover of darkness.

After the gun-fight, search of the area led to recovery of one M-21 Rifles of the AK series, one magazine loaded with 6 bullets and one 9 mm pistol loaded with four bullets from the posession of th slain UG suspects.

Both the slain UG suspects have been identified as Moulvi Basiru Rahman (25) s/o Haji Siraj Ahmad of Kwakta Khuman Thongkhong and Md Raurat alias Amu (20) s/o Naukat Ali of Kyamgei Muslim Toupokpi Makha Leikai.

The bodies have been taken away by their respective family members.

On March 15 at around 7.45 pm, Imphal West District Police Commandos shot dead one UG suspect during an encounter which broke out near the second home of Sangai located behind Langol Housing Complex under Lamphel Police Station of Imphal West District.

One 9 mm pistol and five rounds of ammunition have been reportedly recovered from the possession of the slain UG suspect whose body is still lying at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital.

According to information received by the press, the deceased is likely to be one Akoijam Priyobarta alias Bochou (25) s/o Rajen of Mongsangei Mayai Leikai.

At around 9 pm of the same day, three suspected underground activists were also killed during an encounter with personnel of 31 Assam Rifles near H Mongjang village along Indo-Myanmar border pillar no.41 under Moreh Police Station in Chandel district.

According to a statement issued in connection with the firing encounter, PRO Assam Rifles said that based on specific information, troops of 31 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in general area of South East of Kwatha and laid multiple ambushes.

At about 9 pm, the scouts of the ambush party spotted movement of suspected militants.

On being challenged, the suspected militants started firing on the troops and the troops responded immediately and eliminated three militants after a gun fight.

One US made Lathod along with one live round of ammunition, four fired cartridges of Lathod, one point 32 pistol, one 9 mm pistol with magazine loaded with four live rounds of ammunition, two Chinese made hand grenades , Kyat (Myanmarese currency) 2000 along with Rs 300 and one bag containing personal belonging have been recovered from the possession of the slain militants, the PRO informed, adding that the bodies along with the recovered items have been handed over to Moreh Police Station.

Clad in hunting boots, Lungis and T-shirts, their bodies have been brought and deposited at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital here today.

In the same statement, the PRO Assam Rifles further conveyed about the arrest of one PLA cadre by troops of 8 Assam Rifles during operation launched in general area of Singtam on March 10 as well as about the arrest of three PULF cadres by a combined troop of 34 Assam Rifles and 28 Assam Rifles during operation in general area of Lilong on March 12.