Imphal, January 03: At least three Assam Rifles personnel were killed while five other troopers were injured in a gun fight with suspected UNLF cadres today at about 11.30 at Longpi at Tamenglong district under Nungba police station.

According to information received here, the killed Assam Rifles men and the injured belonged to the 36th Bn.

The three AR men were killed at the spot, said sources and added that the five injured personnel and the bodies of the slain AR men have been taken to Leimakhong.

The deceased, all Riflemen, are identified as Nabokumar, Gup Singh and Jugendra Singh while the injured are named as JS Negi, Tariq Iqbal, Raju Gurung, BK Ali and Havildar Udoi Singh.

The conditions of three are stated to be serious.

The UNLF has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A spokesman of the outfit informed that fighting ensued at two places since last night and added that it intensified this morning.

The fighting took place at Longpi and Moleghat, said the spokesman and added that while two AR men were killed at Moleghat over ten were killed at Longpi.

Five AR men were also injured in the gun fights.

PIB Defence Wing however said that no encounter took place at Moleghat but confirmed the death of three AR men at Longpi and injury to five others.

Three militants were also injured at Longpi, claimed PIB.

In another incident a jawan of the 26th Rajput Rifle was killed in a bomb explosion at Mulen village in Jiribam sub-division at about 8.30 am yesterday.

The deceased is identified as Rabi Pal.

Comment