Dima Hasao: Five trucks were set on fire by a militant outfit killing five people on Thursday night at the Rangerbill area of Assam's Dima Hasao district. A truck carrying coal from Arda Basti and four trucks carrying clinker from Umrangsu Dalmia cement factory was set on fire after 30 rounds of firing by the miscreants. Police suspect the involvement of DNLA (Dimasa National Liberation Army) in the incident. The incident took place in the Rangerbil area, 120 km from Haflong at 9 pm.
After the firing, militants poured petrol on the truck and set them on fire. The identity of the slain truck drivers is yet to be confirmed.
So far police have identified one of the truck drivers. The driver is believed to be Gaur Majumdar. There were at least 10 people in the truck, and police suspect the death toll could increase.
In the last few days, the Dimasa National Liberation Army operatives have become active in the Hima Hasao district. It had opened fire at Maibang in Dima Hasao district on Independence Day.
Taking responsibility for the incident, the DNLA said, "Some people of the nearby villages had leaked information about our movement to the security forces. We had to open fire to create fear among the people." The incident was followed by another shooting by DNLA members at Dawtuhaja railway station and Maibong in Dima Hasao on August 18 and 19.
