One killed as two UG rival groups clash

IMPHAL, April 15: A fierce gunbattle broke out between a combined force of suspected NSCN(IM) and KRA and the KNF (MC) in the wee hours today at Heijang village atop a hill, 3 kms south east of Kangpokpi police station. One militant was killed when Assam Rifles troops who rushed to the spot opened fire towards the militants. The gunfight reportedly lasted five hours. Villagers told this reporter, who went for a spot report, that the gunbattle began from 2 am and dragged on till 8 am. Police said they heard the loud gunshots from 1 am onwards. They said 21 Assam Rifles stationed at Kangpokpi rushed towards the site of the encounter from two directions on hearing the gunfire. Reports said that KNF (MC) cadres were holed up on the southern side of the Haijang hills while the combined force of the NSCN(IM) and KRA were on the northern side. One column of Assam Rifles approached the hill from NH-39 while the other made its way towards the northern side where the NSCN(IM) and KRA cadres had taken position. As the two rival groups were engaged in a fierce gunbattle Assam Rifles troops opened fire killing one militant at about 7.30 am. Two other militants who were injured in the AR firing managed to escape. Assam Rifles stationed at Motbung and the CO 0f 21st Assam Rifles also rushed to the site of encounter and conducted massive search operations. Kangpokpi police also rushed to the spot at 8.30 am. The body of the killed militant was recovered from the jungles of Heijang village. The dead body is presently kept at RIMS morgue. The people of Kangpokpi and adjoining villages were gripped with fear when this reporter visited the spot. It may be recalled that suspected NSCN(IM) and KRA cadres shot dead seven villagers on the night of April 12 at Awang Keithelmanbi area. Several others were also injured.