Army intensifys operations against ULFA

Guwahati, Sep 25 (UNI) United Liberation Front of Asom(ULFA) 'corporal' Diganta Baruah, alias Bitupan Baruah, was killed and ten others, including nine army personnel, were injured, in a fierce encounter at Lakhipathar in Upper Asom's Tinsukia district yesterday.

Another injured militant managed to escape during the stepped up army operation against the banned organisation.

Soon after the Centre withdrew its ceasefire with the ULFA in Asom, the Army started its operation against the rebel group early yesterday ending the one and half month peace process.

The injured Army personnel included Lt. K D Rathore. The injurd personnel were sent to Dinjan Army hospital.

Two M-20 pistols, as many hand grenades and some cash were recovered from the encounter site. The army also picked up two civilians, suspecting them to be ULFA linkmen.

The rebel group had indulged in extortion and issued notices asking 'tax' from 'Indians' and voluntary donations from all local inhabitants. They also allegedly killed a tea garden manager and a state police havildar recently in a renewed spurt of violance.

The Army operation against the ULFA was intensified in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia and Jorhat districts of Upper Asom and in Nowgaon, Barpeta and Darrang in Lower Asom, official sources said.

The decision to end the ceasefire was announced on August 13 and subsequent extension by the Centre was taken in view of continued violence and extortion by ULFA.

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