11 militants killed in Manipur

At least 11 militants have been killed and three women civilians injured in separate incidents of firing in three districts of Imphal East, Thoubal and Chandel in Manipur, official sources said.

Six militants, suspected to be members of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), were killed in an encounter with personnel of 8th Assam Rifles at hilly Leikonpung area near Chakpikarong police station in Chandel district late last night.

One AK 47 rifle, one M16 rifle, one grenade and several rounds of ammunition used in different weapons were recovered from the spot.

In another gun-battle, three suspected militants of Kangleipak Communist Party, Nongthon group, were killed during an exchange of fire with Assam Rifles 28th battalion late last night at Waithou area in Thoubal district, the sources said.

A demand note, bearing the letter head of KCP, Nongthon group, and asking a local school to pay Rs 10 lakh, was recovered from the bodies of the militants and three 9mm pistols and some rounds of ammunition were recovered from the spot.

In yet another militancy-related incident, two suspected militants of Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) were beaten to death by villagers of Nongbram in Imphal East district yesterday, the sources said.

The two suspected militants were lynched for firing at a mob which blocked road at Nongbram village yesterday in protest against frequent extortion demand from KNF-P militants who also demanded the traders give them rice and other essential commodities every month.

As three civilian women were injured in the firing by militants during the road blockade, an irate mob chased the militants and beat to death two, later identified as Paosat Kipgen (25) and Paolen Chongloi (26).

Family members and some Kuki civil society groups, however, claimed the duo were innocent civilians and were studying at Shillong in Meghalaya. They also demanded action against those involved in the incident.