Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 11:
At least two underground cadres were killed, while an Assam Rifles havaldar was wounded in a shootout early this morning on the inter-district border between Senapati and Ukhrul districts.
Army sources said the slain UGs belonged to the underground NSCN (IM).
The incident occurred at Laii village under Tadubi police station of Senapati district.
Official sources said troops of the 20th AR were dispatched to the village early this morning upon receiving reports of the presence of armed UGs in the area.
While searching the village, the sources said, the troops were fired upon from a house.
The troops returned fire in self defence, and in the ensuing 20 minute long encounter two armed UGs were killed and another was wounded, while an AR havaldar was wounded on the security forces� side.
Altogether four armed activists, including the wounded man were subsequently apprehended.
The UGs killed, wounded and apprehended were in combat dress, and fully armed, Army sources said.
Sources said some UGs may have escaped.
More troops were moved in following the encounter, and a search of the area turned up two self-loading rifles, two �303 rifles, two 12 bore rifles and large quantities of ammunition.
20th AR havaldar Chandra Prakash was wounded in the encounter and has been evacuated to the Leimakhong Army hospital.
The identities of the slain and apprehended UGs are not yet available.