Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 04:
Admitting that four MPA cadres were killed in a shoot out with the security force on May 1 at T Nampao village of Dingpi area, Chandel, the proscribed UNLF has however belittled the claim of the security force that it was a big blow to the outfit.
Far from that it was not even a bruise, said the outfit in a statement today.
Saluting the slain cadres, UNLF identified them as lance corporal Konsam Takyellaakpa alias Premkumar of Takyel Kolom Leikai, lance corporal Ningthoujam Loyangamba alias Ingocha of Nungoo Chandol Leikai, Pte Ngairangbam Aheiba alias Robert of Singjamei Oinam Thingel and Pte Pukhrambam Laiphamlakpa alias Johnson of Chingmeirong Laipham Khunou .
All four belonged to the 293 Bn of the MPA.
The incident occurred when a large troop of the Indian security force tried to intrude into MPA positions in Dingpi area after a series of unsuccessful attempts, said the statement.
Recalling the incident, the oufit said that they received early warnings that some troops, using KNA collaborators as guides, had infiltrated into Dingpi are, their obvious target being T Nampao village.
"Based on this information, MPA field commanders decided to use some 'baits' that will compel the security force to betray their positions" explained the outfit and added that accordingly a few scouts were sent to Nampao village in the morning of May 1 while the main force took positions in the nearby jungle.
On seeing the MPA scouts, the security personnel opened fire and in the ensuing four MPA cadres were killed, said the statement.
However the scouts achieved their primary objective as the firing betrayed the positions of the security force, claimed UNLF and added that this spoilt their bigger tactical objective.
"In fact, the objective of our MPAcommanders was just that-foil the enemy objective," added the statement.
On hearing the gun fire, the main force of the MPA rushed to the spot and engaged the troops with full force, the outfit and added that on receiving the full impact of MPA fire power, the troops fled for their lives.
"As in chess, so in war-use deceptions," declared the outfit.
The defeated security personnel while fleeing from the battle zone, torched four houses at T Nampao village, claimed the statement and accused the security personnel of harassing the villagers.
Though the security personnel managed to take away some arms from the slain cadres, the MPA cadres won a moral battle as well as public support, claimed UNLF.
"The engagement was not even a bruise, let alone a blow to the UNLF/MPA as claimed by the PIB," added the statement.
UNLF also shared the pain and grief of the bereaved families.