Imphal, August 08: Two members of the proscribed UNLF were killed in a pre-dawn encounter with Assam Rifles troops at Keirembikhok located in between Salungpham and Heirok around 8 kms south-east of Yairipok police station today.

One G-3 rifle and one WT set have been recovered from the slain militants.

The militants have been identified as Moirangthem Dhananjoy alias Sanajaoba alias Pakhang (26) of Yairipok Yambem Mayai Leikai and Jiten alias Loikhomba of Langathel.

The encounter lasted for around half an hour and panicked stricken residents remained indoors during the gunfight.

Assam Rifles said troops waylaid the two UGs coming on bi-cycles after receiving information for the possible movement at around 3.30 am today.

The personnel retaliated when the UGs began firing at them when asked to stop, it added.

Sources however alleged that the two were picked up near Heirok Maning Leikai LP School by the foot patrol of the AR troops last night.

The AR party later recovered one modified G-3 rifle, one magazine, one point 36 hand grenade, one standard wireless set and six empty cases from the site of the incident.

A bullet has penetrated from Dhananjoy's chin through the right side of his forehead.

Another bullet had also passed from his buttocks at his private parts.

Jiten received bullets at his chest, neck and some other body parts.

The AR party cordoned off the area till 7.30 am.

The bodies were later retrieved by the police.

Post mortem of the bodies has been conducted at the Lilong PHC and have been deposited at the RIMS morgue.

Reports said the AR party has picked up a person from Heirok bazar after the incident.

Meanwhile, the two militants shot dead by AR troops at Chaningleima Lairembi hill under Nambol police station last evening have been identified.

Both belong to the PLA.

They are Maibam Sudhir (30) of Tekcham Mamang Leikai and Samchetsabam Iboyaima alias Bimol alias Naba of LeimramAwang Leikai.

Family sources said that Sudhir, a corporal of the PLA Div V was a BSF personnel before he joined the PLA in 1992.He rejoined the outfit after having been arrested twice.

Iboyaima who is the secretary of the PLA Div V joined the outfit in 1994 and had been in jail for one year.

He rejoined the outfit after staying for one month at home.

Post mortem of the bodies has been conducted at the RIMS morgue today.

Police have also established the identity of the militant killed in an encounter with 2nd Bn BSF personnel at Wangoo Lamkhai on the adjoining night of August 5 and 6.The PLA militant is identified as Wahengbam Ibungo alias Chingkhei alias Saphaba (17) of Kumbi Mamang Leikai.

Autopsy of the body has been carried out at the Lilong PHC today.

However the person shot dead by unidentified gunmen at Kabrang Chingkhong under Thoubal police station yesterday afternoon has not been identified as yet.

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