Imphal, October 20: A fierce gun fight ensued between troops of 34 Assam Rifles and suspected PULF cadres today at about 5 am at Lairem Khullen in Thoubal district during a search operations.

PIB Defence Wing in a statement said that after the gun fight the troops seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

Acting on a specific tip off, the troops launched the search operation at Lairem Khullen under Kasom Khullen Police Station from early morning today.

During the search operation, the troops came upon a group of well armed militants and a fierce gun fight ensued at about 5 am.

After about 30 minutes, the militants fled and in the ensuing search launched by the security personnel, a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered.

The seized arms include on lethod gun, three AK rifles, six AK magazines, one LMG magazine, 12 kgs of IEDs, 17 back packs, one radio set and incriminating documents.

Villagers said that at least three/four militants were injured in the encounter.

Search operation is still going on in the area, though there is no report of any arrest.

Youth shot dead: A youth was shot dead yesterday night by unidentified gunmen at Pombikhok, about 15 kms South East of Kumbi Police Station.

The deceased has been identified as Sorokhaibam Arun alias Inao, son of S Shamu from Wangoo Mamang Sabal Nongmaikhong.

Family sources informed that three years back Arun was a member of KYKL and later joined PREPAK.

The source added that a month back the deceased was released on bail after being arrested by security forces.

Not long before he was married to one Sanathoi of Chairen Lamkhai.

On Oct 18, he was seen getting off a bus at Wabagai after which people discovered his body today morning with both hands tied and bullet injuries at Pombikhok, stated the source.

The police of Kumbi P/S have picked up the body and deposited it at the RIMS morgue for post mortem, added the source.

UG's bodies to be buried: The bodies of two UGs shot dead in an encounter by the police commandos on Oct 17 at Laphupokpi will be handed over to the Imphal Municipal Council for burial on Oct 23.

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