Saturday, December 25 2004 14:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Imphal: Five police commandos were today (Dec 25, 2004) killed when Manipur insurgents ambushed a police party at Napetpalli area in Imphal East district of Manipur, official sources said.

The insurgents looted four AK 47 rifles, one pistol and several rounds of ammunition after killing the commandos by using sophisticated bombs and opening fire from different sides.

The commandos led by sub inspector Jiya Uddin who was among the victims were returning to Imphal after patrolling Napetpalli area, 25 km from Imphal, the sources said.

Heavy police forces have rushed to the spot and launched a massive combing operation.

The identity of the insurgents was not yet known although the area was infested mainly by People's Liberation Army and Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup insurgents.

Official sources identified the victims as Meghachandra Singh, Premkumar Singh, Najir and Megha Singh apart from Jiya Uddin.

The bodies with multiple bullet injuries were taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Science Hospital for post mortem, the sources said. The vehicle in which they were travelling was also badly damaged.

A senior police official on condition of anonymity told reporters that today's attack was a major attack on security personnel by insurgents after 'Operation All Clear' began in Chandel, Churachandpur and Bishenpur districts where Army personnel were engaged in flushing out ultras of Manipur People's Army (MPA), armed wing of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) since September last.

Reports from Imphal East district said heavy combing operation was continuing in different parts of Napet Palli and surrounding hill areas.

An investigation has also been ordered to find out how could the ultras attack the trained commandos who were patrolling an area near the high- security Imphal area.