IMPHAL, December 11: Three cadres of the KNF (N) were killed at the spot while at least five others were injured in a fierce gun battle with security personnel this early morning.
The gun-battle occurred at NP Khullen Village, Sadar Hills in Senapati district under Yairipok PS, which is 10 kms north east of Nongpok Keithelmanbi in Imphal East district.
Meanwhile, a PRO IGAR (S) press release has claimed that in a major operational success, a joint operation of 15 AR of HQ 9 Sector AR under HQ IGAR (S), 21 PARA (SF) and the Thoubal Police commandos have killed three armed KNF (Nehlun) cadres.
According to the IGAR (S) statement the combined team while conducting combing operation in the general area of Bunghal Khullen, Senapati district, a hilly and thickly wooded area, the militants drew fire at about 6:30 am.
And during the ensuing exchange of fire the SF killed the three KNF (N) cadres all wearing combat pattern dresses, it said before adding that one M-16 Rifle with 300 live rounds, one AK 47 Rifle with 93 live rounds, one G-3 Rifle with 173 live rounds, four live rounds of 12 Bore Rifle, 34 live rounds of US Carbine, two notebooks containing incriminating details and other items were recovered from their possession.
Meanwhile, police version said that on getting credible information about the movement of suspected cadres of KNF (N) in the Hengyang, Bongbang Khullen areas after establishing a base camp at NP Khullen Village, a team of SF including 15 AR, Thoubal Police and led by the 21 Para troop had been advancing towards the area since December 8.
The source further said that after surrounding the camp, this early morning, the team saw around 10 heavily armed individuals.
On being asked to stopped, the well-equipped individuals fired towards the security forces and in retaliatory firing of the SF, three of the armed cadres were killed at the spot, while the others managed to flee from the scene taking the opportunity of the fog, the source added.
The exchange of fire took place for about 25-30 minutes, the source informed.
It is also said that after the exchange of fire, the SF recovered one AK-56, one M-16, one G-3 rifle, a carbine and around 300 ammunitions.
Later, the security forces checked the nearby village for any other militants, however, there have been arrest so far.
The three dead bodies have been deposited with the JNIMS morgue and the concerned Yairipok PS has registered a case.