Imphal, March 03: Personnel of Assam Rifles have yet again shot dead another youth at Thoubal Okram Leikai after picking him up from his house in the wee hours of today, even as the Government has been able to persuade the angry family members of Irungbam Samananda who too met with a similar fate at Nongpok Sanjenbam under Lamlai PS, to take back the body.

The deceased youth is identified as one Md Rahaman (25) son of Md Ibothem of Thoubal Moijing Meena Bazar.

However Assam Rifles Spokesman in a statement said that the killed youth was a hardcore militant of the PLA and added that he was killed when the troops came upon a group of militants extorting money.

As the troops challenged them, the militant jumped out from a bamboo grove and opened fire.

The troops retaliated and was killed in retaliation, claimed AR.

Family sources said that Rahman was a bachelor and was running a grocery shop near the gate of the house.

He stayed the nights along with his mother Akriman Begum at the shop itself.

At around midnight yesterday, AR personnel came to the shop and took away Md Rahaman.

The security personnel did not issue arrest warrant At around 3 am, some of the villagers reportedly heard the sound of three gun shots.

At about 3 .30 am, family members went to the Thoubal PS to lodge a report in connection with the arrest.

When the police approached 28th Assam Rifles stationed at Thoubal, they were informed that the said person was in their custody but did not say anything about his death.

However, when ARs gave an official report to Thoubal PS at about 4.30 am, the security force claimed that the youth was killed during an encounter at Thoubal Okram Leikai.

Assam Rifles further claimed that they recovered three cases of 9 mm, three empty cases and Rs 10,905 in cash from the slain youth.

Family members alleged that the AR personnel took away Rs 45,327 which was kept under a Sofa inside the shop.

The AR men also allegedly barged into the house of one of Rahaman's uncle identified as Md Sanayaima from whom they took Rs 70,000 in cash, claimed family members.

Post-mortem of the body was conducted at Lilong PHC today.

There were bullet marks onthe chest as well as on the stomach of the deceased youth.

Meanwhile, with local people revolting against the killing and family members refused to take back the dead boy, it has been kept at the mortuary of RIMS here.

With formation of a JAC against the killing of Md Rahaman today, a memorandum containing six-point charter of demands has been submitted to Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner concerned.

The demands of the JAC include institution of a judicial enquiry into the incident, returning of all the money stolen and payment of ex-gratia to the bereaved family among others.

JAC also warned of launching intense agitation if the demands are not fulfilled by March 5.On the other hand, the body of Irungbam Samananda of Pungdongbam Awang Leikai who was allegedly shot dead by 12th Assam Rifles personnel at Nongpok Sanjenbam under Lamlai PS yesterday has been taken back by bereaved family members following an agreement with the Government.

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