UGs engage in fierce gunfight near Jiribam

Imphal, May 06: A fierce encounter between two rival militant outfits near Latinkhan inside Jiribam PS last Saturday afternoon reportedly claimed the lives of five cadres. According to reports received by our correspondent, a five-hour long gun battle ensued between cadres belonging to MPLF and a combined team of NSCN (I-M) and ZRA cadres in a jungle near Latinkhan, 23 kilometers off Jiribam PS, inside Churachandpur district resulting in the death of five militants. However, official sources at Jiribam PS have not confirmed the report so far claiming they have not received any information. On the other hand, a highly placed source said the incident came about when a large group of MPLF cadres equipped with sophisticated weapons were intercepted by cadres of NSCN (I-M) and ZRA combined. A heavy exchange of fire resulted between them and reportedly continued till 7 pm. Villagers of Latinkhan claimed that three cadres each from either side were killed in the gun battle. Both groups fled the scene same evening in different directions carrying their deceased mates. Three major encounters have occurred between the two militant outfits in the recent past. The first incident took place on Dec 31 last year and two more followed on Jan 3 and 23 this year.