IMPHAL, Jan 29: Two workers out of three who were abducted by suspected KNF (N) cadres were killed in an alleged gunfight between the underground outfit and KNA cadres who came to rescue the workers.
The incident took place at Moulsohoi village under Litan police station, Ukhrul district yesterday at around 9.30 pm.
According to reports, heavily armed KNF (N) cadres were bringing the three abducted workers from Mahadeva towards Sanakeithel road when they were stopped by KNA cadres at Moulsohoi village.
Instead of stopping, the KNF cadres opened fire towards the latter, resulting in a fierce gunfight betwen them.
In the firing, two of the three workers were killed while the remaining one escaped unhurt.
The deceased have been identified as Laishram Tompok (27) (excavator operator) from Sekmaijin and Laishram Thoi (22) (helper) from Yairipok Khoirom.
Recounting the ordeal before media persons at Nomjang, Yaingangpokpi, Khumujam Bijen (25) (dum-per truck driver) s/o Kaka of Nongpok Keithelmanbi, who escaped unhurt in the firing narrated that they were abducted by four armed cadres of KNF (N) from Itham along Thoubal river on January 26 night.
He said that each of the four cadres held a pistol.
According to him, they were taken to different villages since January 26 and reached Jalenbung village yesterday evening, where they had a meal. Later they were put on an auto rickshaw.
All of a sudden, he heard gunshots and jumped down from the vehicle and then lost consciousness.
Bijen said that villagers were found looking after him when he gained consciousness.
It is reported that one person who suffered injuries in the firing was taken away by KNA cadres and kept at Nomjang village.
The injured person has been identified as Thangminlun Khongsai (25) s/o Ngamjang of Moujang village, Kangpokpi district.
He received bullet injuries on his right chest and left leg.
Thangminlun Khongsai has revealed that he is a cadre of the proscribed UTLA. One country made pistol was found from his possession.
Meanwhile, JK Kom who is the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sinnai Camp of KNA, a constituent member of KNO contended that the gunfight was between their cadres and armed gang members.
Speaking to newspersons, JK Kom believed that the abductors may not be related to any underground outfit.
He claimed that the three abducted workers were brought to Jalenbung and they were forcibly made to prepare a meal and put on an auto rickshaw.
He made it clear that gang members and cadres of underground outfits which are not constituents of SoO will not be allowed to enter the areas which fall under the jurisdiction of KNA designated camp.
It is said that Bijen and Thangminlun Khongsai were rescued from Nomjang village by civil society organisations and later handed over to Ukhrul SP, Hemant Pandey.
Police have deposited the bodies of Tompok and Thoi at JNIMS morgue for post mortem examination.
Source: The Sangai Express
