Tinsukia (Assam): An insurgent belonging to the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) was gunned down by the Assam police on Wednesday night during an encounter in the Malugaon area in the Tinsukia district. The operation, which commenced after the state police received inputs regarding the presence of about seven to eight ULFA (I) militants in Malugaon, was led by IGP North Assam Jitmal Doley, supported by the armed forces.
The group was planning to kidnap an influential businessman from Tinsukia, and also had plans to attack both DGP GP Singh as well as IGP Doley due to their consistent efforts against the group, most likely through hand grenade attacks or setting up Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), a police officer informed. The gunfight took place in Malugaon at around 1:30 am. The deceased was identified as one Uday Asom alias Uttam Lahon, known as an IED expert. The other cadre fled the spot, Tinsukia SP Gaurav Abhijit Dilip said. The exchange of fire between the two sides stayed on for at least seven minutes, he added.
