Tuesday, January 24 2006 13:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Imphal: Four suspected members of the banned People's Liberation Army (PLA) were killed in an encounter with a combined force of police and central security in interior Bishenpur district of Manipur, official sources said today (Jan 24, 2006).

Sources said police and security forces patrolling the Kumbi area, about 50 kms south of here, were fired upon by suspected PLA members while trying to detect movement of armed ultras in the area last evening. Security personnel retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted for some minutes, sources said adding that four suspected members of the PLA, armed wing of banned Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), were killed instantly.

The bodies of the victims have been brought to Regional Institute of Medical Science hospital for post mortem, sources said adding their names would be known only after proper verification.

Sources said the security personnel also recovered three AK 47 rifles with 24 live rounds, one gun and six bombs from the spot. Sources say they believe the ultras were planning to attack securitymen in the area.