Imphal, May 26: A suspected KCP (MC) cadre was killed in a reported encounter with a combined team of Imphal West police commandos, 12 MLI and 32 Assam Rifles personnel today at about 10 am at Waikhurok village situated to the west of Sangaithel under Patsoi police today at about 10 am.

A retired personnel of 1 IRB who was taken captive by the suspected KCP (MC) cadres was also rescued by the combined force.

The rescued former IRB man is identified as Taib Ali (29) from Mantripukhri.

However the SP of Imphal West in a statement said that Ali is presently serving as a Rifleman at 5 MR and gave his Rfn number as 0297016 .

Talking to reporters, Ali said that he was taken into custody by some armed on May 22 at about 9.30 am from Langjing.

"I was accused of dealing in Ganja as well as harassing their cadres while I was in the IRB.

The armed men then demanded that I cough up Rs 10 lakhs for my supposed mistakes and Rs 3 lakhs were paid to them by my wife somewhere at Senapati on May 24 (Saturday) to secure my release," recounted Ali.

"However that did not prove enough as his captors demanded Rs 20 lakhs or else I would be killed," said Ali.

"It was agreed that Rs 17 lakhs would be paid today.

However when reports about the arrival of the police commandos was received, four of the five persons who were guarding me, fled from the spot," he informed.

The former IRB also showed the bruise marks he suffered at the hands of his captors.

According to the police at the site of the encounter, the slain man could be a cadre of the KCP (MC) Lanheiba group.

The combined force rushed to Sangaithel on receiving specific inputs about the presence of some militants, said police sources and added that when the force arrived at the village, they saw about 16 armed men fleeing.

The combined force opened fire towards the fleeing militants and while one was killed, the others managed to escape through the hills.

One 9 mm pistol was recovered from the slain man.

In the follow up search of the area, the combined force came upon a site used by the militants near the hill side beside a dry rivulet.

Tarpaulins which were recovered from the 'camp' were consigned to the flames.

Two bags filled with battle fatigues and some cosmetics for women were also recovered.

The security force also picked up two sisters on the suspicion that they may have provided shelter to the armed men.

Their house is located near the said site where it was believed that the cadres had set up their 'camp.' The two sisters are identified as Sanjenbam Pratima (18) and S Bindya (19), daughters of S Kunjamani.

Meanwhile in a statement, the SP of Imphal West L Kailun said that the two women are KCP (MC) cadres.

The SP said that the encounter lasted for two hours.

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