Four HNLC gunmen killed in encounter

Shillong, Oct 30 (UNI) Five persons, including four hardcore militants of the proscribed of Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council, were killed, and two securitymen seriously injured in an encounter in Meghalaya today, police said.

The incident occurred at around 1930 hours at Cleve Colony nere here when the militants moving in vehicle opened indiscriminate fire towards a Special Operation Team, while making their attempt to evade arrest, East Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police A R Mawthoh told UNI here.

Today's operation was based on the confession of a HNLC cadre Anthony Mawthoh, who revealed about the presence and the movement of the four HNLC militants, Mr Mawthoh said.

He said said Anthony Mawthoh, who had sneaked had sneaked inside the state from Bangladesh surrendered before him this afternoon.

Mr Mawthoh said all the four militants were sent to Shillong by HNLC's Commander-in-Chief Bobby Marwien to eliminate Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Chief H S Shylla and surrendered HNLC Chairman Julius K Dorphang.

One AK-47 rifle, two shot guns with 15 rounds of live ammunition, mobile handsets were seized from the site of the encounter.

Of the four militants, one was identified as Safir Hashah and the other has been identified a former Khasi Student's Union leader Maycomemore Rynthathiang, whom the police have confirmed that he is tribal Khasi militant outfit symphatiser.

Meanwhile, the two injured securitymen were admitted to a hospital and a case was registered in this connection.

UNI