Red alert sounded in Manipur hill districts

Imphal, March 17: Additional security personnel have been deployed at the 2nd IRB post at Molnoi village in Pallel after last night?s encounter between IRB jawans and NSCN (IM) militants in which 11 cadres of the latter were killed and 15 arms, two hand grenades and several rounds of ammunition recovered. A police statement issued today said the jawans and officers who carried out the operations have been awarded. Their cases for Gallantry and other awards are being taken up. Official reports said security in other hill districts have also been tightened up in view of the high casualty on the side of the militants. Reports said the 2nd IRB reinforcement to the site yesterday have been stationed there for the time being. Earlier the Molnoi post was manned by the A Company. The jawans have been put on alert after they received intelligence reports that the post could be attacked within a few days time. Yesterday?s shootout took place while around 16 IRB personnel were carrying out frisking at the Pallel bust waiting shed. The mini TATA bearing registration number MN 01/3365 came at around 7.30 pm. The jawans chased the vehicle after it did not stop and found armed cadres sitting inside when they peeped into the driver?s window. As soon as the jawans pulled down the driver and forced him to lie down on the ground, the NSCN (IM) cadres started firing at them. The IRB personnel also retaliated and killed the 11 militants at the spot. One escaped during the encounter. In the meantime, the identities of the slain militants have been established today. They are Khekato Sumi (28) of Nagaland?s Techipame village, Amos Theritak Chiru (20) of Charoi Khullen in Chandel district, YS Yami Kapai Tangkhul (27) of Hundung, ST John Anal (17) of Anal Khullen, Thampu Mongsang (29) of Zaphou bazar, Sr Amos Anal (23) of Chapikarong, V Shangshene Tangkhul (18) of Phungyar, Ukhrul, SW Kanmi Tangkhul (34) of Ukhrul?s Shangshak, J Andi of LAmkang in Chandel, Soreichan Tangkhul (25) of Ngurungphung in Ukhrul and Hercules jelang (25) of New Tesan, Nagaland. A majority of the weapons recovered from the slain militants have been damaged in the firing. The driver of the mini TATA is identified as HL Minthang Anal (48) of Panchai in Chandel. He has bee arrested and police interrogation is on. Pallel Bazar was closed down today. Combined forces conducted massive search operations in the area today too.