Two militants killed in Army operation in Assam

Two militants, one ULFA area commander and the other a hardcore GNLA member, were killed in an operation by the Army in Goalpara district close to the Assam-Meghalaya border on Sunday. Two pistols, three hand grenades and some ammunition were recovered.

Defence PRO Lt Col Suneet Newton said the troops began the operation based on specific intelligence about a plan of the militants to kidnap a state government employee from Balaikhawar village late Saturday night. While the militants approached the village, a fierce exchange of fire took place, leading to the death of two of them.

Lt Col Newton said incidents of kidnapping and extortion by different groups have increased along both Assam-Meghalaya border and Assam-Bhutan border in the past month.