Two UNLF suspects shot down by AR near Myanmar border

IMPHAL, Sep 2: At least two suspected UNLF cadres were killed in an ambush laid by troops of the 1st Assam Rifles at Nambashi village in interior Ukhrul district near the international border with Myanamar in the early hours today.Four activists of different PULF groups were also apprehended by the security forces from different places in the state.The IGAR(S) said that a 9mm pistol (China make) loaded with four live rounds and a hand grenade were recovered from the two slain suspects.Official sources said that troops of the Assam Rifles killed the two in an ambush while they were intruding towards the Indian side from Myanmar after crossing the international border at around 3.15 am today.Troops of the 1st Assam Rifles have launched operations in general area Nambashi village since September 1 and laid multiple ambushes on the militants trying to intrude to the Indian side.At around 3.15 am today, while the troops were waiting in ambush, two suspects approached the ambush site. On being challenged the militants opened fire. They also hurled at least two grenades but were killed in the retaliation by the AR troops. A 9mm pistol (Chinese make) loaded with four live rounds and a hand grenade were recovered from the slain suspects, the IGAR(S) said in a statement today.Meanwhile, at least four activists of the PULF belonging to different factions of the outfit were apprehended by the security forces from different parts of the state.Troops of the 34 Assam Rifles during an counter insurgency operation at Bamon Leikai apprehended a PULF (Umar group) activist yesterday. The cadre was identified as SS Sgt Md Rahman alias Rohit, alias Tebo, 29, son of late Md Chaoba, alias Md Kamaruddin of Yairipok Tulihal Awang Leikai. A 9mm pistol along with six live rounds were recovered from the apprehended activist. He was later handed over to the Thoubal police station along with the recovered items today.Another PULF (Azad) group cadre was also nabbed by the troops of 20 Assam Rifles from Laiching Minou village on August 29. The activist identified as Md Rafi Ahmed, son of Md Jahruddin, resident of Phoudel Yairipok is a SS Sgt. He was handed over to the Thoubal police station on August 30, the IGAR said.A team of Imphal east police commandos also nabbed two active members of the PULF from near the Soibam Leikai Citizen Club yesterday morning.They were identified as Md Chingish Khan alias Rabi, 27, son of Md Abdul Rahaman of Khergao Sabal Leikai and MD Fazul Haque alias Sanju, 25, son of late Md Itomba of Porompat Pangal Leirak.Two demand letters of the underground PULF signed by one Mustak Ali, project officer, PULF addressed to Manipur AIDS Control Society head office and the department of industries were also recovered from the two activists, police said. (Courtesy:IFP)