Manipur,IMPHAL, July 29: A fierce gunfight was reported between the personnel of Assam Rifles and suspected cadres of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at Khoibu Centre under Tengnoupal Police Station in Chandel district this afternoon.
According to police, the encounter spot is located at 65 kilometres north of Tengnoupal Police Station bordering with Ukhrul district.
The incident occurred at around 1.30 pm at Khoibu Centre when the PLA cadres numbering about 40/50 ambushed the personnel of Assam Rifles coming in three/four vehicles. The PLA cadres were preparing meals at a community hall in the village when the Assam Rifles personnel entered in the area.
The sentries of PLA ambushed the Assam Rifles with automatic weapons and bombs. The AR personnel also retaliated to the PLA cadres resulting in a fierce gunfight. The AR personnel were from Tengnoupal post of 24 Assam Rifles.
Two AR personnel and one civilian sustained bullet injuries during the gunfight. A house was also reportedly destroyed by a lethod bomb.
Reinforcements from 24 Assam Rifles were sent to the spot as soon as the news of gunfight was received.
As per information received from the spot, the injured civilian is identified as T Mosel, 50, son of (late) Modon of Khoibu Centre Biyang. He sustained severe bullet injuries on this left arm. His house was also destroyed by the lethod bomb.
The two injured AR personnel sustained severe bullet injuries on their hands and legs. However, there was no casualty on the part of the PLA cadres.
The Assam Rifles have reportedly recovered several clothing items left behind by the underground cadres.
Another reliable source added that the gunfight took place at different locations of Biyang and Belyang. The gunfight lasted for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, two women K Lhumsel, 55 and S Bongran, 45 are still untraceable. The village has been cordoned by the personnel of Assam Rifles. A teacher and two other villagers have been reportedly detained by the Assam Rifles.
