IMPHAL, January 15: In yet another encounter, three persons suspected to be UG suspects were gunned down by security personnel today at around 8.30. pm. The incident took place at an inter village road connecting Iroisemba and Lamdeng Khunou.
According to the police, on receipt of specific information about movements of suspected UG cadres, a team of Imphal west commandos conducted routine operations at the said area. Further, some suspicious persons were found loitering near the site.
As the police team challenged the individuals to stop and identify themselves, the commandos were fired upon by the miscreants. The commandos retaliated and engaged the attackers, police said.
In the aftermath, it was found that one individual was found near the said area and later police discovered two other corpse in the vicinity.
Several arms and ammunition including one AK-56 rifle along with magazine containing live rounds were recovered from the possession of the deceased men.
One M-20 pistol along with three live rounds, one hand grenade and an IED with detonator was recovered from their possession.
It is believed that one among the three may be Md. Abdul Haque of Lillong.
The real identities of the other slain individuals could not be ascertained till the time of filing this report and are being kept at RIMS mortuary for identification and post mortem.