SIPHRO

Imphal, January 29, 2007: Heavy exchange of gun fire between 14 Mahar Regiment and UG cadres was reported at Gamphajol, about 34 kms South of Moreh police station today from 6.30 am till 7.30 am.

One jawan was injured in the shoot out and he has been evacuated to the Army Hospital at Leimakhong by chopper, where his condition is stated to be stable.

The jawan is identified as Rifleman Parimal Singh of the 14 Mahar Regiment, informed the PRO of PIB Defence Wing.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that one security personnel was killed while another sustained injuries in the gun fight between 14 Mahar Regiment and UNLF cadres at Leijang under Molcham police station yesterday afternoon. Moreover, one civilian was also injured in the shoot-out.

The injured civilian is identified as Lalchongthang (22) of Leijang village.

On the other hand, a statement issued by the Senior Publicity Officer, Department of Publicity UNLF, Ksh Yoiheiba claimed that 8 security personnel have been killed while 13 others were critically wounded during gun battles with MPA cadres in the last two days at Dingpi area of Chandel district.

At a place in between Thingphai and Layang village of Dingpi area, a fierce gun battle ensued between MPA cadres of 293 Bn and security forces yesterday at around 3.45 pm which went on till late evening. During the exchange of fire, 5 security personnel were killed and 4 grievously wounded, claimed the outfit.

An INSAS rifle belonging to one of the abandoned security personnel was recovered by MPA cadres, it mentioned.

At Gamphajol, not far away from yesterday’s shoot-out site, MPA cadres of 293 Bn fought a second gun battle with another troop of security forces today at around 6:45 am during which 3 more security personnel were killed besides injuring 5 others, it claimed.

There was no case of any casualty on the part of the MPA cadres in both the battles, it said while disclosing that MPA cadres are prepared for more battles with security forces. In the face of the progressing liberation struggle, many security personnel have met their death at the hands of UNLF/MPA cadres, it said.

Saying that the moral of security forces have been shaken to the limit because of frequent defeat at the hands of MPA cadres, the statement remarked that PIB (DW) can no longer keep concealed the number of casualties suffered by security forces with the hope to boost the sagging moral of the security forces.

It further informed that the MPA cadres involved in the gun battles with security forces were accorded a warm reception at the 293 Bn Hqs today afternoon.

Source: The Sangai Express