Imphal, October 28: A Captain and a Sergeant of the proscribed NSCN (K) were slain in an encounter with troops of 16 AR at Noney Part II, about 60 kms away from Nungba police station at about 3.45 pm yesterday while three other persons were killed in separate incidents today.

A press release issued by PIB (DW) informed that the encounter ensued when troops of 57 Mountain Division came under fire while they were patrolling at Noney Part II at about 3.45 pm.

After bringing down the immediate fire, the patrol party observed 6/7 UG cadres, all in uniform, moving in the area.

Additional columns were launched to block all exit routes.

In the retaliatory fire, two cadres were injured while the others taking advantage of the fading light and using the local villagers as human shield, managed to escape, informed the PIB (DW) statement.

In the subsequent search, bodies of two slain NSCN (K) killed in the shoot-out were recovered.

The two corpses were later handed over to police.

Later interacting with local villagers, the AR troops were told that the UG cadres often indulged in extortion besides forcing them to provide food and shelter in the area.

Army will continue its drive against any UG group indulging in anti national and unlawful activities as agreement for Suspension of Operation, if applicable in other States, is not applicable in Manipur, added the PIB(DW) statement.

According to information culled from the spot, a foot patrol party of Assam Rifles first arrived at the village and laid an ambush in the area.

Shortly after, another team of AR troops came to Noney Part II village and opened fire in the air.

On hearing the gun shots, the NSCN (K) cadres who were camping in the village ran out.

But they were attacked by the AR troops who arrived first and already waiting in ambush resulting in the death of the two NSCN (K) cadres.

The corpses were picked up by another team of AR personnel who arrived at the scene later.

It is reported that the firing continued till 7 pm.

Meanwhile, NSCN (K) Zeliangrong Guard Commander Maj Francis informed the press that altogether 30 NSCN (K) cadres were camping in Noney Part II under an agreement with Assam Rifles authority of the area.

But the cadres were taken by surprise when the AR troops attacked them in total violation of the cease-fire pact.

Maj Francis observed that the assault was a serious betrayal on the part of the AR troops.

The security personnel were least concerned for the lives of innocent civilians who ran for their lives when they (AR troops) opened fire indiscriminately after surrounding the village, he noted.

Further, NSCN(K) Zeliangrong Region Publicity in-charge Loveson informed that their cadres were in Noney Part II for a peace programme.

Receiving information of the arrival of NSCN (K) cadres in advance, AR troops reached there ahead of NSCN (K) cadres on October 26.As the cadres explained purpose for their coming at the village, the AR troops turned back.

But against the understanding, the AR troops launched a surprise attack against the NSCN (K) cadres intentionally in total disregard to the ceasefire pact.

As they have wantonly violated the ceasefire rules, 16 AR should be held accountable for any unwanted incident in future, alleged Loveson.

Stating that the slain Captain and Sergeant were valiant and dedicated revolutionaries, Loveson observed that their death is a great loss to the Nagas.

While offering revolutionary salute to the slain cadres, the outfit shared the pain and grief being endured by the bereaved families.

The slain Captain is identified as Jakaiah Rongmei (31) s/o Pousinglung Rongmei of Khongsang and the Sergeant as Salem Dangmei (24) s/o Kaguise Dangmei of Thanagong village.

Both the cadres were found clad in camouflage uniforms.

They were hit by several bullets in the necks, mouths and heads.

It appeared that they were shot from point blank range.

It is reported that the AR troops recovered one AK 56 rifle, two magazines, 30 live rounds, one 9 mm pistol, one magazine, 15 live rounds, one IED, a radio set, a mobile handset (Nokia N 70) and Rs 2 lakhs from their possession.

On completion of post mortem examination at RIMS, both the corpses have been handed over to respective family members.

Meanwhile, in a mysterious case, a Rifleman of 8 Bn Manipur Rifles posted as quarter guard of MLA L Nandakumar at Lamphel was found shot and later succumbed at JN Hospital.

The deceased Rifleman is identified as Md Abdul Sattar (33) s/o Abdul Jaber of Lilong Haoreibi Makha Leikai Konjil.

He was given sentry duty at the quarter gate from 1.30 am to 3 am today morning.

Moments after the security personnel who was on duty before Abdul Sattar handed his AK 47 rifle to Sattar and went to barrack, a gun shot was heard.

As other security personnel rushed out on hearing the gun shot, Md Abdul Sattar was found shot and writhing in pain.

On being rushed to RIMS, he was referred to Shija Hospital.

From there, he was taken to JN Hospital where he succumbed at about 4 in the morning.

A bullet which hit Abdul Sattar on the forehead excited below the chin.

Family members expressed strong suspicion at the manner Sattar was found shot.

They maintained that as far as they know Abdul Sattar had no possible reason to commit suicide.

After post mortem at RIMS, the corpse was handed over to family members.

One shot dead: One person found shot by some unidentified persons at Angom Leikai Laijing, about 2 kms North East of Porompat police station at about 6.30 am today succumbed at Shija Hospital.

The deceased is identified as Khundom Nandeshwar (34) s/o Kh Bira of Moirang Kampu Awang Leikai.

According to family members, Nandeshwar was a married man having two daughters.

He was a teacher by profession.

About 6 unidentified youths came on scooters to his house at about 5.40 am today and they called out Nandeshwar on the pretext of talking about something.

After they had talked for a while, the unidentified youths took away Nandeshwar along with them.

Later, he was found shot on the head at Laijing.

While the corpse has been handed over to family members after post mortem at RIMS, Porompat police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, the Moirang Kampu Nupi Thoudang Lup and the Moirang Kampu Union Club in separate releases have asked all concerned to explain the killing at the earliest.

They also decried the act of arbitrary elimination without giving any warning to the family members or local people.

Nandeshwar was general secretary of Moirangkampu Development Committee and treasurer of Imphal East District Kabaddi Association, added the release.

One electrocuted: In a disastrous mix-up, an electrician of the Electricity Department succumbed at RIMS after being electrocuted when electric supply was put on while he was fixing electric wires.

The accident took place at Kom Keirap under Loktak police station at about 9.30 am today.

The deceased electrician is identified as K Mircha Maring (47) s/o K Moshel Maring of Khangshim village, staying at Loktak Project.

With the registration of a case at Loktak PS in connection with the incident, the corpse was handed over to family members after post mortem at RIMS.

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