Two UG suspects slain in encounter
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 19, 2012:
At least two militant suspects were slain in an encounter that reportedly took place with troops of Assam Rifles at Kangchup under Lamshang PS in Imphal West district in the wee hours of today.
In a statement, PIB (Defence Wing) said that the encounter ensued when troops of Red Shield Division launched an operation in the general area of Don Bosco, near Singda, following inputs on the movement of armed cadres there.
During the course of the operation, the personnel came across the armed cadres at about 3 am and ordered them to stop; However instead of stopping they opened fire, prompting the troops to retaliate, claimed the statement and added that two of them were killed while the rest managed to escape.
During the search after the encounter, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with 24 live rounds, one .32 pistol with three live rounds, 3 kg of explosives and two Chinese made hand grenades.
PIB further claimed that the militants were involved in the recent IED blasts and added that they were planning to plant more IEDs and target security personnel.
According to report, the encounter took place around 3 am today between troops of Singda based 10 AR of the Red Shield Division and suspected armed militants at Kangchup Mamang Leikai near an RCC canal that links with Abalok village.
An AK assault Rifle along with 23 live rounds of ammunition in the magazine and an explosive device were recovered from the possession of one of the encounter victims while a .32 pistol and a hand grenade were found from the possession of another slain man.
Media persons were allowed to cover the spot after a team of forensic experts of the State police cordoned off the area.
The bullet riddled dead bodies were deposited at RIMS morgue for identification.
Meanwhile, locals of Kangchup and Phayeng said farmers of the area were prevented from entering the area where the encounter took place since early morning.
They also urged all concerned to prevent the recurrence of such encounter incidents in the vicinity.