Imphal, July 31 2009:In separate incidents of encounter that took place in different parts of Thoubal district last night, combined forces reportedly killed two suspected underground activists. According to statements issued by Additional SP of Thoubal District Jogeshchandra Haobijam, the first encounter took place between some UG suspects and a combined force of Thoubal District Police Commandos and personnel of 12 Maratha Light Infantry along the road connecting Leishangthem and Thoudam at around 10.45 pm, while the second encounter along the road connecting Waithou and Thiyam between the UG suspects and another combined force of Thoubal Police Commandos and personnel of 28 Assam Rifles at around 11.25 pm. In both the encounters, one UG suspect each were killed by the combined forces and two 9 mm pistols and magazine each loaded with four live rounds of ammunition, were recovered. In connection with the first encounter, the Addl SP further said that on receipt of specific information about the presence of armed UG cadres, the combined force rushed in and on the light beam of the vehicle saw three persons moving towards Thoudam suspiciously.

When asked to stop for verification, the three UG suspects who were taken by surprise, tried to flee in different directions while opening fire towards the pursuing security personnel.

In the retaliatory firing, the combined force shot down one of the UG suspects while the other two managed to escape taking advantage of the dark. Information received by the press said that the body of the slain UG suspect was recovered from a site known as Sandabi Loukon along Leishangthem Khong. The identity of the slain UG suspect is yet to be established and the body picked up and deposited at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital. The second incident of encounter took place while the combined force of Thoubal District Police Commandos and personnel of 28 Assam Rifles were conducting search operation in and around Chairen Awang Leikai following a special tip off on the presence of UG elements. At around 11.25 pm, the combined force saw two unidentified persons walking towards Thiyam in a very hasty and suspicious manner.

When the combined force halted them, they opened fire at the combined force.

The combined force retaliated the firing and killed one of the UG suspects though the other managed to escape, the ASP said. However, information received by the press said that alleged UG slain by the combined force is one Thokchom Inao alias Herojit (31) s/o Nimai of Chairen Awang Leikai but staying at his sister house at Pangaltabi Awang Leikai and working as an operator of Power Tiller. According to Sanggai, the brother in law of Inao, he had been reportedly picked up by some suspected security personnel who came in a Gypsy from Pangaltabi at around 9.30 pm.

At the time of picking up Inao, the unknown abductors had also allegedly told him that they have come at the behest of �Sir Chaoba' of UNLF as he had not come back after taking leave on medical ground. Soon after hearing the news, they have gone to Waikhong Police Station to enquire but there were no police commandos in the said police station, Sangai added. The body of Inao has also been deposited at the mortuary of RIMS today. On the other hand, the alleged UG suspect whom the police claimed to have been killed by a combined force of Imphal West District Police Commandos and personnel of 28 Assam Rifles during a reported encounter at Langthabal Heibokching yesterday afternoon has turned out to be a rickshaw driver who had been picked up by unidentified armed persons from Moirangkhul Kabui village earlier during the day. The deceased has been identified as Sorokhaibam Krishno alias Tomba (26) s/o of Sanayaima of Chairen Khongnangkhong but staying at Chingamathak Yumnam Leikai. It is said that Krishno had been driving rickshaw in Imphal area to earn his livelihood for around 2 years.

He left behind his wife and a son. According to his brother Inao, Krishno did not have nexus with any underground organisations and was informed that he had been picked from Moirangkhom Kabui village by some unidentified persons who came in a war yesterday morning. The bereaved family has not claimed the body. Meanwhile, the body of Moirangthem Mohen (40) s/o Nimai of Wangoo Sagol Lambi who was reportedly killed by a combined force of Thoubal District Police Commandos, Imphal East District Police Commandos and personnel of 34 Assam Rifles has been handed over to his family members after post-mortem examination at Lilong PHC.

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