Imphal: A young man whose motorcycle rammed into a police van in Imphal West district today (Oct 20, 2004) was shot dead as the policemen on board mistook him for a militant.

Police sources said that the youth R K Sanatomba Singh after hitting the police van picked a quarrel with the men in uniform, who mistakenly thought he was a militant and shot him dead at Waheng Leikai area in Imphal West district.

Official sources had earlier said a suspected underground activist was shot dead by the police patrol.

Local residents, angered by the killing, said the youth was innocent and gave a call for an immediate bandh.

They also blocked the Imphal-Silchar NH 53, which passes through the area, reports said.

Senior police officials have rushed to the spot.