Army launches operation after encounter

Guwahati, Feb 18 (UNI) Combing operation in Upper Assam's Tinsukia district was intensified after a heavy gunfight between ULFA and the Army in Hanhkhati reserve forest today.

Defence sources said acting on a tip off, troops of the 11 Gorkha Regiment launched a search operation in the forest this noon.

A group of around 4-5 suspected ULFA rebels opened fire on the Armymen, prompting them to retaliate.

There was, however, no casualty in the gunfight, which lasted for over an hour.

The rebels managed to flee under the cover of dense forest.

The Army had launched a major combing operation in and around the forest to trace the rebels.

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