Three hardcore rebels killed in encounter

Agartala, Mar 11 (UNI) At least three underground militants were shot dead and arms and ammunition were recovered by the Assam Rifles in Tripura's West and North districts respectively in separate encounters in the last 48 hours.

Police sources here said today's fierce encounter occurred under Khowai sub-division of West District when the 11th battalion Assam Rifles and state police team, led by the Khowai SDPO, launched a special anti-insurgency operation.

Heavily armed tribal guerrillas started firing at security forces between Maukhadui and Tuihachim area.

The AR jawans and other police personnel retaliated, killing two hardcore rebels on the spot. Other members of the group, however, managed to escape in the dense jungle. Later, during the search operation, security forces recovered a Chinese-made pistol and a powerful grenade from the spot.

Security forces have also launched combing operations to nab the fleeing militants, sources said.

In another incident yesterday, the 36th battalion of Assam Rifles, led by SI Rana Chatterjee, shot dead a Bru Liberation Front of Mizoram(BLFM) cadre in an encounter at Asha Para under Kanchanpur sub-division of North District.

Police said the AR jawans launched a special anti-insurgency operation, acting on a tip off that a number of militants took shelter in the area. When the security forces arrived at the spot, BLFM rebels started firing on the AR jawans from a hut close to a Reang refugee camp.

The fire was immediately retaliated by the AR jawans killing one Gandhi Reang on the spot. The other members of the group managed to escape. Security forces recovered one countrymade pistol, one 9mm revoler and two rounds from the spot.

Two persons have been detained by the AR jawans in this connection, sources added.

UNI