Local volunteer of UNLF held, cash award for inputs on 'killers'
1 more non-local killed, another shot; 1 more non-local killed, another shot
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 05 2009: After a driver and a supplier of ANSAL Properties and Infrastructures Limited were shot dead yesterday, another non-local barber was shot dead by unidentified persons at Wabagai Lamkhai this morning while another was shot and injured.

In subsequent police action, one activist (local volunteer) of the proscribed UNLF has been apprehended by police while a self styled Sergeant and a Lance Corporal of the same outfit managed to escape.

Meanwhile, Thoubal District Police has announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 to anyone who can provide clues leading to the arrest of the UNLF cadres responsible for the killing.

UNLF local volunteer E Rojit picked up by the police

Barber Lalan Thakur (49) s/o late Gupteshore was shot by some unidentified persons at Wabagai Lamkhai Keithel under Kakching police station at about 7.20 am today.

He was declared brought dead at Kakching CHC, conveyed a police source.

Bullet marks were observed on his neck.

Lalan Thakur was a native of Hardaya village under Patna district of Bihar.

Staying at Kakching Super Market, he was running a saloon at Wabagai Lamkhai.

Acting swiftly after the incident, police managed to pull up one local volunteer of the proscribed UNLF along with a Honda Activa used by the UG activist and his accomplices.

Speaking to media persons at Thoubal District Police Hqs this evening, Thoubal SSP Clay Khongsai said that soon after learning about the killing of a barber, an extensive search operation was launched by Thoubal police in collaboration with troops of 21 AR in Wabagai, Hiyanglam, Tokpaching, Chingjao and Laphupat Tera areas.

One Elangbam Rojit (20) s/o Ibomcha of Hiyanglam Makha Leikai who was involved in the killing was arrested from near his home at about 9 am.

On questioning, Rojit reportedly disclosed that his elder brother Naobi alias Ipak (30) was a corporal in the UNLF.

He further disclosed that two other UNLF cadres��Sgt Samadram Jugai alias Thambaljao (31) s/o Bihari of Thoubal Haokha and L/Cpl Keisham Herojit alias Loktak s/o Achouba of Heirok Part II, Laishram Leikai, were also involved in the killing of Lalan Thakur.

The SSP declared that a reward of Rs 50,000 would be given to any one who can provide clue/information leading to the arrest of the two UG cadres.

In the course of the search operation, an encounter broke out between the combined force and suspected UG cadres.

However, there was no report of any casualty on either side.

As a precautionary measure against any further attack, non-local people working in the district have been asked to stay in safer areas.

Moreover, security arrangements have also been tightened, Clay Khongsai said.

Meanwhile, a non-local hawker was shot by some unidentified persons near Pourabi Pukhri Achouba under Lamlai police station at about 10 am today.

Laxman Shah (25) s/o late Panalal of Buxar district, Bihar was hawking goods on a bicycle when he was shot by some unidentified persons at Pourabi.

He was hit by bullets at the abdomen and right wrist.

He is undergoing treatment at JN Hospital in a critical condition, said hospital sources.

Seriously wounded as he was, Laxman struggled and walked till the nearby village.

On seeing the condition of Laxman, one Pakpi Devi (32) w/o Ibomcha stumbled and sustained minor injury as she ran for help.

The corpse of the ANSAL driver and supplier shot dead yesterday are still lying in RIMS morgue.

They have been identified as Md Tomba (42) of Islamabad, Jiribam and labour supplier Siraj-ul-Haque Majumdar alias Siphai alias Khunkhulun of Silchar but staying at Bethel village near Maphou Dam.

ANSAL Additional Manager NK Singha said that Md Tomba, Siraj-ul-Haque, an SO of IFCD and himself came to Imphal in a Mahindra Jeep yesterday afternoon.

While the SO got down at his home, he got down at ANSAL office located at Babupara, NK Singha conveyed.

They left Babupara at about 9.30 am saying that they would buy some vehicle parts to repair the vehicle and go back to Maphou.

At present, ANSAL is engaged in constructing spillway and water conductor system, NK Singha said.

Bethel village chief T Baite said that a committee has been constituted by the surrounding villages of Maphou against the killing.

He conveyed that the corpses of the two individuals would not be claimed until the demands of the committee are fulfilled.

The committee has resolved that the Government should provide suitable jobs to the next of kin of the two deceased as well as adequate ex-gratia to the bereaved families, the village chief conveyed.

Baite said that Siraj was living in his village for more than 20 years and he was married to a Khongsai woman.

Tomba belonged to Jiribam.