Assam: ULFA militant killed in encounter

A militant from the anti-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam was shot dead following an encounter with a joint team of the Assam Police and CRPF Cobra Force near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in eastern Assam's Sivasagar district on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at Lalmati in Namsai area, bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The slain militant has been identified as Robin Moran alias Habindra Moran of Lalkhipathar in Tinsukia district. The police also claimed to have recovered one AK 56 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition and two hand grenades.

The police and CRPF Cobra Force have mounted vigil in eastern Assam areas especially along the inter-state borer with Arunachal Pradesh to prevent ULFA ultras and Maoists elements striking coordination.

A large number of cadres of anti-talks faction of the ULFA are suspected to be hiding in Arunachal Pradesh's forest area, across the inter-state boundary. The Maoists too have struck roots in certain parts of eastern Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam.

The Assam government is planning to form a specially trained force in the Assam police with the help of the central government to tackle the threat posed by Maoists in the state.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that a special force was required as the modus operandi followed by 'Maoists is different from that of insurgent outfits operating in the State.'

On the other hand, the anti-talks faction of the ULFA led by its fugitive commander in chief Paresh Barua has extended 'in principle' support to Maoist operations in Assam, saying that the continuous exploitation by Assam's resources by the 'colonial Indian government' and mis-governance has encouraged Maoist activities in the state.