Imphal, Feb 23: Two days after armed militants ambushed Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and his security convoy on his way to his native village at Khoupum in Noney district, a fierce gunbattle between troops of 5/2 Gorkha Regiment and cadres of NSCN-IM was reported today at Khoupam Chingthak (Hill Top) under Khoupum Police Station at around 3 am.
Report reaching here said that the security troops were on their routine duty to check presence of any anti social element at the area. First hand report said that the team of 2/5 GR carried out cordon and search operation in general area of Chingthak Khopum early today morning. While the troopers were conducting search operation heavily armed cadres of NSCN (IM) started firing towards the security force.
A personnel of the 5/2 GR was hit by a bullet and he succumbed to his injury on the spot.
One lady namely Ajingna Rongmei, age 50 yrs W/O Hajengrei Rongmei got bullet injury on her face and died on spot .
Following the attack, more troopers reinforced at the site and a search operation was conducted by cordoning the area.