Imphal, February 13: Exchange of heavy firing took place near Ngakha Sibilok, 10 kms south east of Lamlai police station, when suspected underground activists ambushed a team of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel who were on ROP duty ahead of the Chief Minister�s inspection visit to Maphou Dam.

The side glasses of the vehicle of the security personnel were smashed but there is no report of any casualty.

As per the schedule, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Phungzathang Tonsing were to visit the dam site at 10 am today.

Ahead of the Ministerial visit, a team of Ist Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in one bullet proof vehicle and bus was despatched on ROP duty along the route at around 9.30 am today.

As the security convoy, with the bullet proof vehicle ahead of the bus, approached Ngakha Sibilok area, located between Oksu Mamang Mishi Makhong and Leisiphung, well-equipped underground activists, who were hiding behind the bushes of the hill cliff set off a bomb and rained bullets on the security personnel.

The IRB personnel also retaliated and an exchange of heavy firing from both the sides lasted for almost 20 minutes.

The firing exchange continued even after the arrival of reinforcement of security personnel who gave a hot chase to the lfeeing militants.

The right side of the wind-shield of the bus (MN-01/0919) carrying 27 IRB personnel was smashed and splinters of the bomb hit the rear part.

However, there is no report of any casualty on either side.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was reportedly at his official bungalow when the ambush and the subsequent encounter took place.

It was only after a large reinforcement of State police forces led by DIG Range-I S Dinokumar ensured the safety and security of the visiting dignitaries by thoroughly combing the area, that the Chief Minister and the Irrigation and Flood Control Minister visited the Maphou Dam to inspect the progress of the work being taken up there, said a well placed source.

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