KSU says rebels killed in fake encounter

Shillong, Oct 31 (UNI) The Khasi Students' Union(KSU) today condemned the killing of four Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) cadres, by Meghalaya police here last night.

''The killings were inhuman and barbaric and we condemn it,'' KSU general secretary Hamlet Dohling said.

Terming last night's incident as a ''fake encounter'', Mr Dohling said the student body would demand an inquiry into the incident after consultation with the family members of those killed.

The KSU also informed that the fifth person Maycome More Ryntathiang's body would be taken by the student organisation if nobody claims it. ''We would perform the last rites of Maycome on humanitarian grounds if nobody claims his body'', Mr Dohling said.

Rynthathiang was the former organising secretary of the KSU.

All five were gunned downed after the police intercepted them when they were travelling in a vehicle at Cleve Colony here, following a tip-off from a surrendered HNLC militant.

Police officials said the militants opened indiscriminate fire at the police forcing the Special Operation Team (SOT) to retaliate, resulting in the death of all five.

All five had crossed over from Bangladesh and were on a mission to kill Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council chief, HS Shylla, Julius K Dorphang, the HNLC Chairman, who came over-ground and senior surrendered HNLC activisits recently, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police AR Mawthoh told reporters here.

Mr Mawthoh said the police have confirmed that it was the same group which was responsible for a failed assassination bid on Mr Shylla's life a few months back.

Meanwhile, the slain militants have been identified as, Wanpynshai Rynjah, alias Gul, his brother Manbha Rynjah, Saphir Hashah and Korbar Syiem.

UNI