Gunfight between KNF(P) and KRA(U) at Khengjang
AR arrests five UGs with arms in follow up action
Source: The Sangai Express
Kanggui, December 20, 2013:
A gunfight broke-out last night at around 9 between suspected KNF (P) and KRA (U) cadres at Khengjang village, located south west of Saparmeina police station.
Even though locals confirmed that the gunfight ensued for about an hour, there is no report of any casualty on either side.
In the meantime, troops of Motbung-based 43 Assam Rifles 'C' Coy apprehended three KNF (P) cadres and another two KRA (U) cadres in the aftermath of search operation carried out in and around Khengjang village.
The troops reportedly recovered arms and live ammunition along with a land mine from a location suspected to be a hideout of the militants.
Shortly after 2-3 round of gun-shots were heard at around 9 pm there was a volley of gunfire in the village with the residents lying down on the floor to avoid being caught in the crossfire even as bullets pierced walls, ceiling, roofs and even utensils, narrated a Khengjang villager adding that gun shots were heard till around 10 pm.
The village community hall wall has been hit by several bullets, bullet marks were visible in the village Golden Jubilee Stone, utensils in a house damaged and Maruti van hit and damaged severely.
"We were learning a Gospel Hymn for the Christmas at the Church Hall when the incident occurred," said a Church member adding that those in the Church laid on the floor to avoid being hit by the rapidly flying bullets.
Moments after the shoot-out, 43 AR troops reached to the spot of incident and conducted search operation from around 10 pm yesterday and continued the search till 4 pm today.
Three of the arrested persons belong to KNF (P) while the other two area KRA (U) cadres, said Maj J Pal, Post Commander 43 AR Motbung Post listing one 9 mm pistol with magazine and live rounds, one 7.65 mm pistol with magazine and live ammunition, one .22 Rifle with magazine and live rounds, two Chinese hand grenades, one No.36 hand grenade and one Mine as items recovered during the operation.
The KNF (P) trio have been identified as Tarzan (26), Cavandish (26) and Lunpimang Kipgen (18) and KRA (U) cadres as Sgt.
Gogou Chongloi (24) and Dehkholal (38). The Khengjang Village Authority appealing to all concerned to refrain from any activity that could create fear psychosis and facilitate the villagers celebrate Christmas in peaceful environment, expressed that gunfight in populated areas pose threat to innocent civilians.
every right thinking persons should at the best try to avoid such unwanted incidents in the future, urged the village authority.