3 hardcore PLA militants nabbed

Silchar, Mar 13 (UNI) Assam Rifles personnel apprehended three Manipur-based Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) militants from Jhoragool village in Cachar district of Assam yesterday.

AR sources today said acting on a tip-off the jawans cordoned off a house at Jhoragool village under Sonai circle of Cachar district and managed to nab the three along with a number of weapons and explosive devices.

The three have been identified as PLA's self-styled captain M Khomdam Singh alias Surjit(40), Sergeant Major Tomba Singh alias Ibanga(37) and Chonthong Khomba Singh(44).

Khomdam and Tomba are residents of West Imphal and Thoubal districts of Manipur respectively, while the third belongs to Cachar district of Assam.

Security forces have recovered one 9 mm pistol, one magazine, 11 live bullets, 200 grams of explosive, two detonators and one Nokia mobile handset.

Officials said the three arrested were handed over to Sonai police station today after grilling them for 24 hours.

UNI XC KK/src1824