Imphal, December 26: Well armed militants gunned down five State police commandos including an SI in a clinically executed ambush at Nongren Chingjin one and half kms south east of Lamlai PS yesterday morning at around 10, making this year's Christmas the bloodiest in Manipur.

According to reports received by the press, militants carried out the attack on the commandos who were travelling in a Gypsy (MN1A/5149) with Lethod bombs and other sophisticated weapons near Nongren Chingjin.

Reports said that commandos personnel stationed at Nongdam Laikoi-ching in three Gypsys had come to Napet Palli Bazar for shopping yesterday at around 9 am and after completing their work proceeded towards Laikhong.

However, the ill fated Gyspy turned back alone and proceeded towards Nongren Chingjin where it was greeted by heavy fire from militants who were well entrenched on the hill tops.

The UGs decamped with one LMG, three AK-47 Rifles, two 9 mm pistol and some magazine from the slain personnel.

The Gypsy was completely burnt during the attack and one AK 47 rifle was destroyed.

The SI and the driver were found firmly rooted on the front seat with multiple bullet wounds while the three constables were found lying near the Gypsy.

Mention may be made here that deceased commando personnel were attached to the newly established 62 BSF post located at Nongdam Laikoiching.

The deceased police commandos have been identified as Sub Inspector Md Ziauddin (42) of Lilong Umaipokpi College Gate and constables Md Nasir Shah (30) of Pangong Makhong, Chinganbam Premkumar (26) of Lamdong Mayai Leikai, Khangjrakpam Megha (45) of Sekta Makha Leikai and Louriyam Meghachandra (36) of Khurai Sajor Leikai.

All of them received multiple bullet injuries and bomb splinter wounds on their bodies.

All the bodies were placed at the 1st Manipur Rifles' ground after post mortem at RIMS yesterday.

Chief Minister and high ranking police officials rushed to 1st MR ground on receiving the report of the killing and paid their respect to the slain personnel.

Following the ambush, additional security forces immediately rushed in and conducted combing operations at Napet Palli and Nongdren area to nab the militants.

Even though no arrest was made a live bomb was recovered during the operation.

The bomb was later safety defused by the State security forces.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh while expressing great shock at the killing of the five commandos of five commandos has termed the killing as an act of cowardice which should be condemned by one and all.

In a statement, the CM expressed his heartfelt condolence and shared the pain and grief of the bereaved family members.

He also assured to extend all possible help and support to the family members of the deceased commando personnel.

In another incident, personnel of Imphal East Dist arrested a PLA cadre during cordon and search operation at Langdum Lamkhai bus stand under Irilbung PS yesterday at around 4, said police.

The arrested cadre has been identified as one Arambam Bijeshwor alias Nanao alias Chaoba (24) s/o A Chaoba Singh of Langdum Maning Leikai.

During preliminary interrogation, the youth disclosed that he had joined PLA/RPF on November 13 2003 through one Thoi of Moirangpurel and under went training at Sajik Tampak.

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