Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 13:
In three separate attacks today launched by UNLF's armed wing - MPA - seven Army personnel have been slain and about ten injured, claimed the underground organisation even as Army sources refuted the contention.
Barring an isolated incident at Sapermeina area where suspected underground activists detonated an IED no attacks were launched, countered the Army source.
While endorsing the Army version regarding the Sapermeina incident, police source also informed that there is no confirmed report of any encounter in the State today.
Nevertheless, according to reports received here, the MPA cadres launched offensive at two remote areas of Churachandpur district and at a place within Senapati district's Sapermeina area.
In Songtan village of Thanglon sub-division located about 80/90 kms from Churachandpur district headquarters a fierce encounter ensued between a unit of MPA and an advancing troop of Army personnel wherein the security force lost three of its personnel and four others injured in the nearly four hour morning skirmishes.
As the MPA cadres were strategically positioned the Army troops retreated from the area, claimed a UNLF spokesperson.
Another encounter ensued in the afternoon when an Army team tried to penetrate into B Mawnpi village located about an hour's walking distance in which four securitymen were slain and six others sustained injuries, said the spokesman who also added that all MPA cadre that took part in the offensive have returned safely.
Claiming responsibility of the Sapermeina bomb attack, the spokesperson said an MPA mobile unit launched the offensive targeting CRPF personnel.
According to police source, none of the CRPF personnel suffered injury.
During a search operation conducted at near the blast site another bomb has also been reportedly recovered.