PULF denies its Commander in Chief's death

Imphal, May 18 (UNI) The Peoples' United Liberation Front (PULF) today denied that its 'Commander-in-Chief' Bashir Lashkar was killed by the 34 Assam Rifles in an encounter on May 11 in Thoubal district.

The ultra organisation in a statement here, however, admitted that the Muttabir 'Deputy Secretary'(Home) and 'Commander' of AK Battalion Bashiruddin were killed after they were picked up by the Assam Rifles from Dimapur on May 10 from the residence of an NSCN leader.

Documents, a lap top, Rs 6.6 lakhs in cash and a bike were also taken away by the Assam Rifles, the group alleged.

Earlier, the Assam Rifles had said that the PULF's Commander-in-Chief' was killed in an encounter at Yairipok in Thoubal district.

Meanwhile, Manipur police PRO Vandana Karki gave details of the encounter which took place at Thoubal district yesterday.

She said a car, Ak 56 rifles and ammunition were recovered after the incident.

A militant was gunned down in an encounter between police and the militants, she added.

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