Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30:
In a major crackdown on UGs, four KCP (P) cadres, including a woman, were gunned down by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Manipur police commandos during a raid at one of their hideouts at Keibi Khunou under Lamlai PS early this morning.
PIB Defence Wing in a statement said that the operation was launched after receiving specific information about the presence of KCP (P) cadres in a hideout at Keibi Khunou area.
Three 9 mm pistols, one carbine, four Chinese grenades and other items were recovered from the slain KCP cadres.
According to reports received by the press, troops of the 4th Assam Rifles shot dead the four KCP (P) cadres including the faction's leader and his wife during a meticulously planned raid at the outfit's camp at Pungdongbam Mamang Pidonu Chingthak under Lamlai PS early this morning.
Sources said that troops of the 4th Assam Rifles based at Chingarel moved in towards the outfit's camp at around 1 am this morning after receiving specific reports that some KCP cadres were holed up in the area and were engaging in extortion and other illegal activities in the area.
After completely cordoning off the hillock where the KCP cadres were holed up, the AR troops began search operation only at 8.30 this morning, added the source.
On approaching a particular hut, the AR troops were greeted by a volley of bullets forcing them to retaliate.
In the ensuing encounter, the faction's leader Boicha alias Prithivi along with three other cadres including his wife were instantly killed.
Three pistols, one carbine, utensils and some dress were recovered from them, said the source.
The bodies have been retrieved by Lamlai Police and deposited at RIMS morgue.
Besides Moirangthem Boicha alias Prithivi (25) s/o Saratkumar of Nongda Makha Leikai the other victims identified are Boicha's wife Thokchom Ningol Ibemcha (23) of Khangabok Lamlong Bazar and Subol (24) s/o Irom Bo-bo of Yourbung.
The fourth victim is suspected to be one James.
Sources said that Boicha joined KCP about five/six years back.