Imphal, Dec. 17: A group of unidentified militants overpowered a post of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Manipur Rifles (MR) in Manipur’s Tamenglong district and decamped with around 9 weapons, reliable sources said.
The incident took place when a group of armed militants overpowered the small post of 7th IRB and 6th MR who were deployed for regular road-opening duty and security cover for an ongoing railway project, at Nungkao area, about 150 km west of here.
They reportedly escaped into the nearby forest after snatching the weapons, around 11am, sources said.
Details about the incident could not be established immediately as the communication network of the area is very poor.
Finger of suspicion in the incident pointed towards NSCN-IM.
IANS adds: In a surprise attack, a large group of tribal militants overran a paramilitary camp in Manipur's Noney district and fled with about 20 assorted automatic guns, official sources said.
The incident occurred around 11.30 am in the camp manned by personnel of India Reserve Battalion and Manipur Rifles at Nungkao in the newly-carved out district.
"About 70 militants raided the camp. They were in combat fatigue and carried highly sophisticated weapons," an official said, adding that there was no firing from any sides and no casualties.
Reinforcements had been despatched to the area while officials at the spot said that they are making inventory of the arms and ammunition lost.
Meanwhile, in Imphal, two Manipur Rifles personnel opened fire at the women who were blocking the Tiddim road but fortunately no casualties were reported.
The incident took place during the 24-hour general strike called by womenfolk to protest killings of three policemen and attacks on security personnel.
"The personnel are the house guards of Congress MLA Phungzathang Tonsing. After opening fire, they rushed inside the residence of the MLA," a women protestor said.
However, police reached the spot and brought them out. The two were allowed to go after they tendered an unqualified apology to the protestors.
