IMPHAL, December 21: The younger brother of a former minister of the state was shot dead in an alleged encounter with the personnel of 43 Assam Rifle today evening at T Khullen Tasar farm leading to locals holding a protest rally from Changoubung to Kangpokpi police station
Speaking to media persons one protestor said that today at around 12.30 pm, personnel of the 43 Assam Rifles posted at kangpokpi led by the post commander Major Marathi came to an under construction house of the victim who has been as identified Paohulen Kipgen 50 son of (L) Paun Kipgen of Hengbung and younger brother of Ex-minister, Haokholet Kipgen. Paohulen was picked up from the house after pin pointing by one zorro personal coming along with the AR team in front of the labor engaged in the construction of the house alleged family members and local of the area. One and half hours after he was picked up from home, the dead body of Paohulen was found with the multiple bullet injuries at the Tasar farm located T Khullen.
Later the locals took out a protest rally from Changoubung upto Kangpokpi police station against the killing of Paohulen and an emergency meeting was held with the Kuki Inpi Sadar hill, KSO and Sadar Hill District Village Chiefs Association against the alleged encounter.
The dead body has been taken up by the Kangpokpi Police Station and after a forensic examination is expected be deposited to the RIMS morgue
Speaking to media persons Ex-minister Haokholet kipgen asked whether Assam Rifles personnel have been given a right to kill anyone whenever they want and asked why the Assam rifle personal did not act according to the law of the land. He also questioned why Assam Riffles should be pucking up people and not handing them over to the State Police. He further maintained that a befitting action should be taken up against the Assam rifle personnel involved in the alleged encounter.
Meanwhile, on getting specific information regarding presence of armed UGs in Choungoubung village, close to Kangpokpi in Senapati district, the security forces of Red Shield Division launched an operation from Kangpokpi post on Dec 21. On being surrounded, the UG opened fire at the security forces in an attempt to escape. The security forces retaliated with effective fire resulting in neutralisation on the terrorist. The Kangpokpi Police immediately reached the site on being informed by the security forces said the released.
One self loading rifle (SLR) with ammunition and one pistol with ammunition were recovered from the UG said the PIB released.