Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 22:
Even as the 19 hour general strike called by the Working Committee of the two groups of the Apunba Lup to protest the alleged custodial killing of Ph Kishorjit by Assam Rifles personnel has come into force, the AR authorities today issued a statement claiming that Kishorjit was killed in an encounter and not as alleged.
Significantly a departmental inquiry has also been ordered to probe the matter.
Quoting Assam Rifles authorities, PIB Defence Wing in a statement today said that KCP militants have of late been engaging in extortion activities in Lamlai-Yaingangpokpi area.
Based on specific information that Ph Kishorjit would be coming in the said area, a team of Assam Rifles personnel were pressed into service and an ambush was laid in between Seijan and Lukhok Khullen, said the statement.
At about 1.30 am of June 21, the troops saw Kishorjit coming towards their side and he was ordered to stop.
However instead of stopping the militant opened fire, claimed AR and added that he was killed in retaliatory firing.
Lamlai police who came to the area and also some people from Nongada village who came to the spot confirmed that Kishorjit was a member of the KCP, added the statement.