One TSR jawan killed, another injured in ambush

Agartala, Oct 30 (UNI) One Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawan was killed and another injured in an ambush by the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-Biswamohan) militants near Birmoni Para in Tripura's Dhalai district today.

Police said the incident occurred after an anti-insurgency operation party of TSR Jawans reached a secluded spot near Birmoni Para, when the heavily armed extremists ambushed the party killing rifleman Abhijit Biswas on the spot and severely injuring another.

The injured was rushed to a nearby hospital. His condition is stated to be critical.

The TSR jawans retaliated forcing the militants to flee from the spot carrying away one AK 47 series rifle from the deceased's possession.

High police and TSR officials rushed to the spot with reinforcement. The whole area has been cordoned off and a massive search operation is on to trace the militants.

This is the fourth attack on security personnel in the last ten days. The number of deceased has increased to seven, including two Central Reserve Polce Force (CPRF) jawans.

The ruling CPI(M) party has condemned the act of the militants.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar had on Saturday appealed to the underground militants to shun violence and come for dialogue.

The opposition Congress party has also condemned the recent killings of the security personnel and expressed great concern at the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

Meanwhile, a fierce gun battle took place between Assam Rifles(AR) jawans and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) militants at Mandai in Tripura's West District last evening. No casualty was reported.

The 15 battallion of the AR arrested four hardcore NLFT militants this morning at Dhalai District. Few foreign firearms were recovered from them.

Another encounter took place between CRPF and NLFT militants at Jagabandhu para under Gandacherra sub-division also in Dhalai district.

However here was, no report of any casualty on either side, sources added.

Massive search operation was launched soon after the incident.

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