Imphal, July 28: Cadres of the proscribed NSCN (IM) and troops of Assam Rifles exchanged fire at Kangoi Khullen, about 37 kms North East of Tengnoupal police station at about 4.30 am today.

After the shoot-out, the AR troops allegedly took away cash and articles from the village.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Assam Rifles PRO informed that based on specific information about movement of UG cadres, troops of 44 AR under Hqs IG AR (S) launched an operation in Kangoi Khullen yesterday night.

Observing movement of some persons with weapons in the outskirts of the village, the AR troops challenged the armed persons but the troops were fired upon.

Even as the troops retaliated, the UG cadres managed to escape taking advantage of thick foliage and terrain.

On searching the area, two lathode grenades, one magazine of M-20 pistol with 20 live rounds, some combat uniforms, rice and cooking utensils were recovered, added the PRO.

According to information received by press, Assam Rifles troops who came to the area in five vehicles came across NSCN (IM) cadres numbering around 20 who were putting up at the community hall of Kangoi Khullen.

Alighting from the vehicles at some distance away from the village, the AR troops approached towards the community hall on foot firing all the while.

As the NSCN (IM) cadres retaliated and heavy exchange of fire ensued, the villagers fled to the nearby jungle.

The shoot-out lasted for about two hours.

Even though the villagers could not tell the unit of the AR troops, they informed that one civilian L Morung Maring was thrashed by the AR personnel resulting in bleeding injury in the mouth.

The AR troops also took away Rs 2000 kept in the almirah.

Moreover, Rs 10,000 in cash and one mobile handset (Sony Ericsson K 700) kept in the almirah of village chairman Kopham Maring were also confiscated by the AR troops.

The AR personnel also took away traditional costumes and jewellery items and Rs 600 kept under the mattress of one Mophun Maring (26).Other cash and articles looted by the AR troops include Rs 600 and two woollen shawls of TK Moder (60), Rs 300 from TK Leiupa (26), Rs 4000 from L Kothang and 15 numbers of dishes and two buckets belonging to the village community hall kept in the house of L Kopham.

As a result of the shoot-out, 7/8 bullet marks were observed on the community hall, 30 bullets marks in the house of S Mothil, 7 marks in the barn of Kh Kopham.

Moreover, wife of S Mothil suffered fracture in the hand after stumbling while fleeing from the AR troops.

However, there is no report of any casualty on either side of NSCN (IM) cadres and AR troops.

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