Two ULFA militants killed in Assam gunfight

GUWAHATI - Two hardcore separatists of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) were shot dead in a gunfight with security forces in Assam Sunday. A large haul of explosives and weapons was seized from the dead rebels, officials said.

A police spokesperson said a joint team of Assam police and paramilitary troopers were challenged by a three-member group of ULFA militants early Sunday near Khetri, about 45 km east of Assam’s main city of Guwahati.

“Based on specific inputs about some militants roaming in the area, the security team went to the location and was fired upon by the militants… and soon there was a fierce gunfight,” a senior police officer said.

The gunfight lasted about 30 minutes in which two ULFA militants were gunned down and the third rebel managed to escape.

“Both the dead militants were wanted in many cases and were among their hardcore cadres expert in shooting and triggering explosions,” the police officer said.

Security forces recovered a huge quantity of explosives and weapons, including pistols and one AK-47 assault rifle from the dead militants.

“A hunt is on to nab the militant who managed to flee,” the officer said.

The three-member ULFA group, according to the police, was probably in the area to carry out attacks and extort money.