Namsai: An ULFA (I) cadre was killed in a joint operation by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district, a defence spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
The fierce gun battle took place at 6 Mile area under Namsai police station during the operation on the intervening night of Wednesday.
Assam Rifles had received a tip-off regarding the presence of six to seven members of Ulfa(I) cadres in the 6 Mile Lekang Khampti area. Based on the information, the Assam Rifles personnel launched an operation. During the operation, one Ulfa(I) militant was neutralized, and the rest managed to flee from the area.
The deceased militant has been identified as Iwan Axom, also known as Konti Axom and Abhikeshwar Moran, Guwahati-based defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said in a statement.
As per reports, the slain militant was a self-styled ‘Sergeant Major’ of the proscribed outfit ULFA (I).
During the search of the area, security forces recovered one rifle, one RPG round, and three rucksacks, indicating that the group was possibly preparing for a larger movement or attack.
According to sources, this group of suspected ULFA ( I) militants was from the same group that had recently carried out an attack at an army COB in Kakopathar in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district last week.
Lt Col Rawat said that “the operation is still in progress, with additional columns of security forces, including units from police and CRPF, incorporated to intensify the search and neutralise any remaining threats in the area.
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“The operation underscores the continued efforts of security forces to maintain peace and security along the Assam—Arunachal border, where sporadic activities by insurgent groups have been reported in recent months,” he said.
