Suspected militant gunned down in Manipur

Bishenpur (Manipur), Apr 13: Security forces shot down a suspected militant in Manipur's Bishenpur District last night.

A rebel training camp of the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Manipur (PREPAK), near Loktak lake, was destroyed in the fire fight, an army spokesperson said.

"An operation was launched last night that is night of April 11 and April 12. In the wee hours of the morning, there was an exchange of fire and a PREPAK camp which was there in the location, was destroyed," said Colonel Rajeshishra, Indian army spokesperson.

"The underground elements, without offering much resistance, have run away. In the exchange of fire, one underground element, possibly a PREPAK cadre, was killed and one weapon that is an AK-47 rifle was recovered from his possession," added Colonel Mishra.

Authorities have put the insurgency-hit Manipur on alert ahead of upcoming general elections, which are scheduled to take place on April 16 and 23.

As the elections are nearing, the militants are trying to create a fear psychosis amongst political leaders and workers.