CHANDIGARH: Militant Manjit Singh Tughalwal, an area commander of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and 12 other militants, a Congress (I) leader, and two relatives of a police official were among the 18 persons killed in Punjab.

In an encounter, security forces killed Manjit Singh, near Ladhpur village in Gurdaspur district, while his accomplice managed to escape. One revolver and some rounds of ammunition were recovered from the slain militant.

Manjit Singh operated in Faridkot and Amritsar district.

In another encounter, security forces shot dead two unidentified militants near Jalalabad village in Tarn Taran police district. One 303 rifle, one 12 bore gun, 1.5 kg of explosive material and one hand grenade was recovered from the slain militants,

Security forces shot dead two more unidentified militants near Palasur village in the same police district. A 315 bore rifle and two detonators were recovered from the slain militants.

Two unidentified militants were shot dead by security forces in an encounter near Shankar village in Jagraon, Ludhiana police district. One 12 bore gun, 5kg of explosive material and some rounds of ammunition were recovered from them.

A group of militants ambushed a police party, escorting a militant, identified as Santokh Singh, for recovery of arms near Lohariwal village in Amritsar district, In the ensuing encounter Santokh Singh was killed in the cross-fire when he tied to escape.

One more unidentified militant was shot dead by security forces in an encounter near Jahangir village in Majitha police district, One Mauser and one kg of explosive material was recovered from the slain militant.

Militants shot dead their two rivals Harcharan Singh alias China and Gopal Singh, a granthi, at Najwala village in Barnala, Sangrur police district.

Militants hanged to death Nachhajar Singh and Gurdip Singh, both brothers-in-law of the Khanna SSP, Surjit Singh at Khant village in Fategharh district. Their bodies were found hanging from a tree.

Article extracted from this publication >> July 3, 1992