Action amid phumdis in Loktak lake destroys two boats used by police
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 05:
Three suspected UGs were apprehended after a fierce encounter between suspected militants and a combined security force of Bishnupur police and commandos at Loktak pat this morning, said sources.
According to reports, a mobile combined force team led by Bishnupur Dist police Additional SP K Jayanta while conducting its daily patrol at Ninthoukhong Paton incidentally came across some suspected militants in three boats loitering in the area.
Surprised at the sudden appearance of the security forces, the UGs immediately fled from the area in their boats with the combined force team hot on their trail in seven boats.
However the UGs after fleeing for quite a distance left their boats and swam towards the houses among the Phumdis.
Seeing the helpless situation of the suspected UGs, the security forces immediately cordoned off the area and conducted search operations to nab the UGs, said the source and added that two youths who were found hiding under the Phumdis were arrested by the security forces.
Security forces who later moved in towards Thanga Karang area were greeted by well armed militants using Tommy guns, Lethod bombs, AK Rifles and M-16 rifles.
Although taken by surprise the security personnel immediately retaliated and the encounter continued till 10.30 am.
Two of the boats used by the security forces were destroyed during the encounter.
Although another militant was arrested during the encounter, the others managed to escape taking advantage of the hostile topography.
The number of the well armed militants who were engaged in a fierce encounter with the security forces this morning are suspected to be about 30, said the source.
The three arrested UGs who were arrested during the encounter today have been identified as Khuraijam Priyo alias Amuba alias Tomba alias Priyokumar (22) ofWaikhong Uyan Khunnou, Chirom Megha alias Bhubon of Waikhong and Moirangthem Ibochoubi alias Jbungo of Thanga Moirangthem Leikai.
Sources also said that the well armed militants who had concentrated in the area this morning were under the command of one Sergeant Major Prem from Leimapokpam and added that the combined security force team came across the militants while they were trying to transport some bamboos for building houses on the Phumdis for providing shelter to the militants.