UGs engage BSF to fierce gunfight

Imphal, February 18: A fierce gun battle ensued between BSF troops and a group of militants while the BSF were advancing towards Lezangphai from Santing in Churachandpur district today. Three companies of BSF under the command of CO of the 64th Bn were fired upon from hill tops by the militants. The BSF retaliated and a fierce gun battle of four hours ensued, said BSF DIG PK Misra. The attack was mounted from three directions. BSF personnel, put on election duty for the second phase poll in Churachandpur district have been able to push back the militants from Lezangphai, he claimed. BSF dominated the area by 4 pm today, he added. Misra directly oversees the operation from a chopper by communicating with the ground troop. Sophisticated weapons like 81 mortar and automatic grenade launcher were used to push back the militants, said Misra. There was no casualty on the side of the BSF. It may be mentioned that the BSF also met stiff resistance form militants while trying to dominate Henglep area. After two days of heavy gunfight, BSF managed to clear the area. Meanwhile BSF personnel have been posted at almost all the polling stations at Chandel and Churachandpur for poll duty.