Seized weapons displayed
Rescued man recounts ordeal in custody
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 08: Weapons reportedly seized from a group of UG cadres by a combined force of Imphal East commandos and troops of 32 Assam Rifles after a shoot-out at Ucheckon Lairenpat last night were displayed at Imphal East Police Headquarters today.

Moreover, one individual held hostage by the UG group in connection with monetary demand was also rescued by the combined force.

The seized weapons shown to media persons included one carbine stengun with magazine, two 9 mm pistols with nine live rounds and two lumps of explosives known as PEK.

The stengun and 9 mm pistols displayed before the media

According to an officer of Imphal East commandos, the shoot-out ensued when the combined force asked a Maruti van to halt at Ucheckon Lairenpat.

Rather than stopping the vehicle, those travelling in the van opened fire which was promptly retaliated by the security personnel killing three UG suspects on the spot.

Moreover, the security personnel managed to rescue one Haorungbam Santa (44) of Chingmeirong Mamang allegedly held hostage by the UG cadres, he conveyed.

Taking part in the press meet, Santa disclosed that some individuals who identified themselves as UG cadres served him a demand note of Rs 10 lakhs along with a live bullet on June 2, further asking him to come to a place within three days.

The same group summoned Santa to Keishampat yesterday.

As he reached Keishampat in his elder brother's Maruti van, two unidentified persons leapt into the van and brandished a gun forcing him to drive to Hiyangthang and Wabagai before reaching Kakching Thongkhong.

At Kakching, some other individuals got into the van.

Just as they left Kaching, security personnel could be seen on the way in one location, Santa recounted.

On seeing the security personnel, one of the UG cadres sitting beside Santa opened fire towards the security.

The security forces too retaliated.

At this point, Santa shouted that he was a civilian and lie low.

But when he regained consciousness, he found himself with security personnel, Santa recalled.

He further informed that he gave Rs 10 lakhs to the same group in June last year as they threatened him with capital punishment in the event of his failure to meet their demand.

The latest demand served to him on June was signed by one Tomba of ONK, KYKL.

Meanwhile, of the three UG suspects shot dead in yesterday's encounter, the identities of two have been established.

They were Mayanglambam Ibochouba alias Tangbi (30) s/o Anganghal of Kakching Irung Mapal and Huirom Robindro (30) s/o Bihari of Sekmaijing but staying Kakching Irung Mapal.

However, according to those people who identified them, the duo were pulled up by some unidentified persons in civies from Kakching super market at about 4 pm yesterday.