Imphal, March 19 2009: Twenty-eight years old Lt Satbir Singh who was killed in the encounter with suspected PREPAK cadres along the road connecting Oinam and Nambol Naorem in Bishnupur district last night is said to be young officer due to get married on April 3 and was preparing to go back to his native home town for the nuptial ceremony.

Posted as the commander of the 12 Maratha Light Infantry post at Maibam Lokpa Ching under Nambol Police Station of Bishnpur, Lt Satbir was a native of Thua district, Haryana.

The lifeless body of Lt Satbir Singh, who was planning to leave for his native home tomorrow, has been sent today after post-mortem examination at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital here.

According to police report, the young officer was killed while sepoy Chandrakanta Dukre (30) sustained injuries in the encounter with the suspected PREPAK cadres who were fleeing after launching bomb and arms attacks at the Oinam Mamang Leikai residence of Oinam Ibopishak, an Executive Engineer of the Loktak Development Authority last night at around 8.40.However, a statement issued by PREPAK has denied hand in the attacks at the residence of the Executive Engineer though admitted the shoot out with the security personnel.

Meanwhile, the Mahindra Jeep (MN-01K/7297) allegedly used by the PREPAK cadres has been recovered completedly charred near a culvert constructed over Takhongtabi Maril of Nambol Naorem by the police.

According to PRO Assam Rifles, subsequent to the encounter between the troops of 12 Maratha Light Infantry and militants at Naorem bridge yesterday, a massive joint search operation was launched by the 12 MLI, and Commandos of Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur District Police.

Following blood stains, the search party recovered body of a slain militant along with one AK-47 Rifles and 10 rounds of ammunition from Samusang, 3 kms north west of Mayang Imphal, the PRO informed.

Information culled from the site of the encounter suggest that sound of gun-fire exchange could be heard late into the night.

As the first gun-fight erupted, sound of bomb explosion was also heard and Army personnel were seen at the site of the encounter even early morning today.

On the other hand, in protest against the bomb and firing attacks at the residence of EE Ibopishak, infuriated local residents staged a Wakat Meepham at Oinam Bazar today.

The protest demonstration was held under the aegis of Meira Paibi Lup, Oinam.

It may be recalled here that some unidentified armed persons coming in a Maruti Van attempted to abduct Kunjeshori Devi, wife of EE Ibopishak, from near their house in the morning of January 30 last.

EE Ibopishak has been staying at his official quarters at Imphal for the last few months.

His eldest son and mother are the only family members staying in the house when attack was launched last night.

According to the family members, the attackers were armed with Rifles and apart from triggering a bomb at the outhouse, around 20 rounds were also fired.

Comment