Imphal, December 01: The proscribed UNLF has offered revolutionary salutes to Sgt Maj Ngangom Khuntakpa alias Dorendro son of Lukhoi of Kiyamgei Maning Leikai who was killed in a shoot out with the Indian security force near Tuitung village in Dingpi area on November 30.Saluting the slain MPA cadre, the outfit in a statement said that Khuntakpa was a disciplined and brave soldier of the MPA.

He was involved in many battles earlier and apart from his military expertise he was also a man who could inspire the others.

He was with the medical team of the outfit but he heeded the call of duty and was more inclined towards military action, said UNLF and added that he was leading a platoon when the incident occurred.

Sgt Maj Khuntakpa was killed when the Indian security personnel waylaid his team, said the outfit.

It also shared the grief and pain of the bereaved family members.

The security personnel also suffered casualties with one of them getting killed while some others were injured, claimed the outfit.

Giving a brief account of the battle going on at Khengjoi, Dingpi area and Sajik, the statement said that a huge force of security personnel has been pressed into service under the 57 Mountain Division.

At present the 9, 26 and 27 AR Bns under 10 Sector, 21 Field Regiment, 17 JKLI, 10 J and K Rifles, 5/8 Gorkhas, 6 Jat Regiment, 11 Mahar Regiment, 22 MLI and Rajputana Rifles are in the said areas to confront the MPA cadres, it said.

Other than the AR Bns and 10 J and K Rifles, the others were brought to the said areas for the operation which has been dubbed, "Operation Burma Tour," said the outfit and added that the strength of the Indian security force pressed into service for the offensive must be around one Division.

Though the MPA cadres are outnumbered with only two Bns, they are bravely and defiantly holding back the security forces.

Another advantage that the Indian security force has is the help extended to them by one Kuki armed group.

This has been confirmed by listening to the radio sets used by the security personnel, said the outfit and added that the said Kuki armed group is instigating the Kuki villagers to turn against the UNLF.

The MPA cadres have been exercising maximum restraint in using bombs, to avoid hurting the villagers, said the statement.

On the other hand the Indian security force have been using bombs recklessly and at least about 200 bombs are being used every day, it asserted.

On the side of the MPA, they have been using about 30 bombs a day which include 2 inch, 3 inch and 81 mm mortar.

Admitting that the advancing troops have been able to wrest some post of the MPA, the statement said that the situation is being reviewed.

Till date, the UNLF has not suffered much set back, other than the death of Sgt Maj Khuntakpa, said the statement and added that the Indian security force have suffered heavy casualties with more than 8 killed while many others have been injured.

It will not be easy for the Indian security force to over run the 293 Bn of the MPA, said the statement and added that it would greatly help the armed struggle, of the other revolutionary groups start hitting out at the Indian security force.

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