Imphal, January 24: Minister of State for Agriculture, K Ranjit and Minister of State for Social Welfare DK Korungthang had a providential escape when militants armed to the teeth opened fire at their convoy from three directions today noon at Thingkangphai village in Chandel district.

The security escort of the Ministers also returned fire and a fierce gun fight ensued with the militants for about 45 minutes.

BSF DIG, PK Misra in a statement said that the two Ministers were abducted by the militants, but BSF personnel on being alerted launched a rescue mission and managed to free the two VIPs from the clutches of the militants.

The statement said that BSF was alerted by the police that the two Ministers have been abducted by the militants.

On immediate receipt of the information, one company of BSF was pressed into service, said Misra.

IEDs planted on the road were also cleared by the security personnel during the rescue mission, the statement added.

However SP of DG Control Room, Vandana Karki said the two Ministers were not abducted at all.

The BSF assisted the police personnel and there was no abduction, she stressed.

Our reporter who went to the spot also corroborated the police version.

The two Ministers were on their way to Thingkangphai village to attend the concluding programme of the Golden Jubilee year celebration organized by the Longpi Area Games and Sports Association.

K Ranjit was to be the chief guest while Korungthang was to be the president.

DIG V Zathang who is in charge of Chandel and Thoubal range also accompanied the two Ministers when they came under attack from the militants.

The militants who had occupied strategic positions opened fire from three directions just as the Ministers were being received by office bearers of the LAGSA at Thingkangphai football ground.

The two Ministers managed to take cover by ducking into a nullah running just adjacent to the play ground.

After about 45 minutes of gun duel, K Ranjit along with DIG V Zathang managed to board a bullet proof vehicle and headed towards Sugnu to alert the BSF post located there, said police.

The BSF personnel reacted promptly and swung into action.

At Serou the security personnel recovered two IEDs placed on the road.

DK Korungthang was also rescued from the village by police a little later.

When reports of the attack reached Imphal, Minister of State for Family Welfare, K Bijoy organized additional security force and rushed towards the site of the incident.

Later speaking to the press, K Ranjit said that it is highly unfortunate that the militants should open fire towards a gathering which was at least 3000 strong.

The Minister said he had taken along 20 red blankets and five football to be distributed to the villagers.

K Ranjit appealed to all concerned to spell out anything if they think he (Ranjit) has committed some wrongs.

The Minister appealed to the people of Chandel and Sugnu to keep their cool and not let the incident lead to misunderstanding.

The Minister further said he accepted the invitation as Thingkangphai village is located just next to Serou, his birth place.

The sports event at the village is one of major events of the Kuki tribes living in the area, he said adding that the people of the area have been living together for ages in perfect harmony and co-operation Security personnel under the command of DIG V Zathang and Thoubal SP Clay Khongsai dealt with the situation remarkably and managed to thwart the attack.

Security personnel recovered 20 live round of M-16 from the spot.

Though no one was injured, a bullet grazed the ear of one personnel of 8 MR.Following the incident, villagers of Thingkangphai were seen fleeing their place for safer place.

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