14 IRB personnel killed in an ambush in Manipur

Imphal, Feb 24 (UNI) At least 14 Indian Reserve Battallion (IRB) personnel were killed and several others injured, six of them critically, in an ambush by suspected militants at Zouzangte village here today.

IGP( Intelligence) L M Khaute said police, Army and other security forces had rushed in to the area and launched a massive combing operation to nab those involved.

It was not yet known which outfit was involved in the ambush.

Police said a convoy of security personnel, led by Commanding Officer of 6 Manipur Rifles Dhiren, was returning on Old Cachar Road from Tamenglong district to Imphal after the February 23 third phase election duty when the suspected militants pumped a volley of bullets on them, killing 14 on the spot.

The injured security personnel had been rushed to the J N hospital, where the condition of two was stated to be critical.

The ambush took place soon after the completion of the three-phase Assembly election yesterday.

Police said the area, where the incident occurred, was in the interior area.

Senior civil and police officials stationed at the Bishenpur police state were coordinating the operation.

UNI