Imphal, August 09: Two suspected UNLF cadres were killed in a fierce gun fight with a combined team of Assam Rifles and Army near Thoubal river in Keithelmanbi valley under Yairipok police station today.

According to the PIB Defence Wing two militants were killed in a gun fight between militants and a combined team of Army, police commandos and 34 Assam Rifles.

One AK 47 rifle, one pistol, large quantity of assorted ammunition, explosives etc were recovered from the slain militants, said the PIB in a statement.

Many other militants also suffered injuries, said PIB quoting Assam Rifles authorities adding that they managed to escape under the cover of the thick forest.

The troops also busted a hideout of a militant group while carrying out this operation, added PIB.

In another statement PRO of Assam Rifles said that a joint operation was launched by a team of Assam Rifles and Army following specific inputs about the presence of militants in the said area.

The activities of the militants were kept under surveillance for three days by the combined team, said the statement.

While trying to escape towards the forest, the militants opened fire at the security force which resulted in a fierce encounter, said the PRO and added that in the shoot out, two militants were killed.

A huge quantity of ammunition, equipment and weapons were seized, said the statement adding that the details are being awaited.

Search operation is underway, said the PRO and added that slain militants are suspected to be UNLF cadres.

According to information received by the press from independent sources, troops of 9 Sector Assam Rifles surrounded the Hangong Lok for the last four/five days after receiving inputs about the presence of militants.

Hangong Lok is located about 20 kms north of Yairipok police station.

A fierce gun fight ensued between the AR personnel and the militants yesterday at about 4.30 pm.

After the shoot out, the AR men withdrew form their earlier position today morning, said sources and added that while the Assam Rifles men were coming towards Heiyai Lok, the militants, who were lying in wait opened fire at the troops.

The security personnel also returned fire and a fierce gun fight followed.

The encounter continued till late into the evening and two suspected cadres of the UNLF were killed.

One the killed militant appears to be the commander of the unit.

He was found attired in a white and green coloured Khudei (Indigenous type of lungi), is dark complexioned, about 5.5 feet tall, and sports a silver necklace.

He suffered bullet injuries on the fore head.

Splinter injuries were also found on the leg and chest of the deceased.

One pistol, six bullets, one set, one detonator timer, blanket, water bottle, one bag containing wire were recovered from his possession.

The other deceased sports a cropped hair, is slim and is attired in combat dress.

The body bore splinter injuries.

Two AK-56 rifles were recovered from his possession.

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