BJP leader shot dead, MLA survives attack

Guwahati, Dec 14 (UNI) A former BJP leader in Assam was shot dead by militants while former Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MLA had a narrow escape when he survived a grenade attack in separate incidents of violence that continued unabated in the state since last night.

According to official sources, the militants killed former BJP leader Munindra Singh Lahkar at his Rangia residence yesterday.

Lahkar was talking to his business associate when the militants entered his home and shot him dead. Laskar was senior BJP and RSS functionary before he quit the party.

In another incident, the sources said, AGP MLA Padma Hazarika sustained serious injuries when suspected Bodo militants intercepted and ambushed his vehicle at Hazarimal near Tezpur.

The militants threw grenades and fired at the personal vehicle of the MLA, who was returning alone on the National Highway after taking part in the Panchayat election preparation.

However, Mr Hazarika managed to escape after he abondoned his vehicle and fled through the nearby paddy field. The MLA was rushed to the Tezpur civil hospital by the people nearby.

He was later taken to the Army Base Hospital where doctors removed all the splinters from his leg, hand and back.

The incident has triggered protests across the state and people have blocked the National Highway.

Meanwhile, the AGP has sought immediate intervention of Governor Lt Gen Ajay Sinha into the incident. It has also alleged that the Congress government had failed to maintain the law and order situation in the state.

UNI