Imphal, December 06: SP of Thoubal District Th Radheshyam has informed that the driver and the handyman of a truck who have been rescued by a combined force of Thoubal District Commandos, Imphal East Commandos and 115 BSF after a fierce gun battle near Itham Moirang Purel yesterday were abducted by armed cadres of the proscribed KLA in connection with monetary demand.

Addressing a press conference in ths connection at Thoubal District Police Headquarters this afternoon, SP Radheshyam said that the driver and the handy-man of the truck laden with tyres and GI sheets had been abducted at gun-point by the armed cadres of KLA from Mantripukhri area at around 12.30 am of December 2.The abduction was made in connection with a huge monetary demand served by the outfit, the SP said.

On receiving a special tip off yesterday morning about the presence of the abducted persons at Kamuching area, 10 teams of Thoubal Police Commandos were pressed into action and launched a massive search operation in the area.

While the search teams were approaching toward Saichang located bear Itham, armed cadres of KLA opened fire at the approaching Commandos from three directions.

The Commandos also retaliated the firing and the exchange of heavy firing from both sides last for around 2 hours.

Apart from a reinforcement of Imphal East Commandos, a team of 115 BSF led by its Second in-Commandos also rushed in to help the teams of the Thoubal Police Commandos in the gun-battle, the SP said, while informing that security forces would continue to step up operation against UG activities in Moirang Purel area.

The truck driver and the handyman rescued by the combined team have been handed over to their respective family members.

According to the rescued driver Nanao, three persons with small arms who came in a white colour Maruti Van abducted them from Mantripukhri area.

The hijacked truck was also subsequently recovered.

But it was found empty.