UKHRUL, July 12: The Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (ADC) vice chairman Ngalangzar Malue, 60, of Nongman was today shot dead at around12:00 pm at Finch Corner while another two were critically wounded in an ambush carried out by a suspected hill-based militant outfit.
Finch Corner is located around 21 kms from Ukhrul district hqs along the Ukhrul-Imphal route. The spot of the attack is about 3 kms from Lambui AR post and 5 kms from Shangshak AR post.
According to reliable sources, the incident occurred near the forest beat at Finch Corner when ADC member Ngalangzar along with his younger brother Weapon Malue and nephew Ratanmi Malue was heading towards their native place Nongmahn village, to visit his ailing mother in a hired Maruti van bearing regn No MN 01K 3962 on Saturday.
A Maruti gypsy was parked in the middle of the road blocking their way near the forest office, sources informed and added that as soon as the van approached the spot, heavily armed suspected hill based militants opened fire straight away and pumped several bullets into Ngalangzar’s head and chest killing him on the spot.
In the attack, his nephew Ratanmi and van driver Bijani were critically wounded.
They were immediately rushed to Shangshak Assam Rifles dispensary where the wounds were stitched before taking them to Imphal for further treatment, while the lifeless body of the deceased has been taken to JNIMS for post mortem, sources added.
Meanwhile, soon after the ambush, additional deputy general of police (ADGP) LM Khaute, IGP, Range-4 Chandramani, Ukhrul deputy commissioner Rhisheekesh Modak, superintendent of police, Ukl, S Selvan and 41 AR CO Gourav Bose rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation, this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Ukhrul District Congress Committee has vehemently condemned the incident.
President AS Shimreiyo, UDCC has said that such act is unbecoming of any civilised member of the modern society.
Recalling that Ngalagzar was a man of high moral integrity, Shimreiyo further said that committing such cruelty upon him who has served for the welfare of the masses should be condemned by one and all.