The fallen fighters were identified as PLA’s Captain Oinam Gulu, alias Babu, son of O Kunjo Singh and O Pishak Devi; PREPAK (Pro)’s Captain Wahengbam Saratkumar, alias Sopaiba, son of W Deba Singh and M Memcha of Hiyanglam Awang Leikai; and Lance Corporal Nongmaithem Boneysana, alias Nongdon, son of N Raju and S Sangita of Wangkhei Angom Leikai.
TFM Desk
In a condolence message, the banned PREPAK (Pro) confirmed the deaths of three revolutionary fighters during a gunbattle with a combined force of KNF(B) and Indian military personnel around 5 a.m. on October 23, near the India-Myanmar border.
The fallen fighters were identified as PLA’s Captain Oinam Gulu, alias Babu, son of O Kunjo Singh and O Pishak Devi; PREPAK (Pro)’s Captain Wahengbam Saratkumar, alias Sopaiba, son of W Deba Singh and M Memcha of Hiyanglam Awang Leikai; and Lance Corporal Nongmaithem Boneysana, alias Nongdon, son of N Raju and S Sangita of Wangkhei Angom Leikai.
According to a press release issued by PREPAK (Pro)’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, L Ningsingba, a combined team of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF/PLA, and UNLF was patrolling the border area when they were ambushed by a combined force of KNF(B) and Indian forces. In the resulting firefight, Captain Gulu, Captain Sopaiba, and Lance Corporal Nongdon were killed.
The outfit expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the three fighters and stated that the clash occurred as the combined team advanced to dismantle a stronghold of KNF(B) and Indian armed forces. It hailed Captain Sopaiba, Captain Gulu, and Lance Corporal Nongdon as valiant revolutionary fighters, committed to resisting all invading forces until their last breath.
The outfit stated that the three martyrs had laid a strong foundation for unity among revolutionary organizations and urged all revolutionary fighters to embrace the collective responsibility as a united force.
On behalf of the six groups, PREPAK (Pro) expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, relatives, and friends of the fallen fighters. The courage and valour of the three martyrs should continue to inspire all revolutionary fighters, it added.