Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 06:
Coming out with its version on the Ukha Thangjing Ching shoot out with PLA cadres on June 30, which claimed the lives of four PLA cadres and five 11 Garhwal Rifles men and one civilian, PIB Defence Wing quoting Army authorities today said that troops of 11 Garhwal Rifles laid ambushes at Ukha area on receiving specific inputs.
The trapped militants ran towards Nepali Basti and used the villagers as human shields to escape, claimed the statement and added that the Army exercised due restraint to ensure that there was no civilian casualty.
However Tonglen Haokip, who was trapped in a jhoom kheti was hit by bullets fired by the militants, claimed the Army authority and added that the security personnel met the bereaved family members at the spot and expressed their condolences.
Apart from killing four militants, the security personnel recovered four AK-47 rifles with 12 magazines, one pistol with one magazine, one lethode gun with eight rounds and one grenade.
One radio set was also seized, claimed the statement further.
Refuting the reports that the Army authority refused to hand over the bodies of the slain militants, the statement claimed that the police was immediately informed and told to take back the bodies.
The bodies were taken to the Army camp with great difficulties, said the statement as the villagers were not forthcoming due to fear of the militants.