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Extremists kill 9 army men in ambush in Manipur

Militants struck on the eve of the fifth National Games in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, gunning down nine army personnel, including a doctor, in an ambush near Thinkeu in Churachandpur district today.

The incident occurred when the team headed by the doctor was on its way to Tuilaphai for a medical camp, army sources said.

The unidentified extremists fired on the team, killing eight soldiers on the spot. The doctor, who sustained multiple bullet wounds, died later.

The light vehicle carrying the doctor was badly damaged, the sources said. "We are yet to verify the identity of the doctor."

The country's biggest sporting extravaganza will be inaugurated tomorrow by President K R Narayanan.

The President reached Imphal this evening.

Chief Minister W Nipamacha Singh appealed to all the extremists in the region to maintain peace and ensure that the Games are conducted without any problems.

Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Peoples Front-sponsored twelve-hour state-wide bandh (general strike) evoked total response, paralysing normal life in Imphal.

UNI

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