Eight hardcore ULFA rebels killed in encounter

Guwahati, Apr 10 (UNI) Eight hardcore ULFA militants, including two women cadres, were killed in an encounter with security forces today.

Army sources at Dinjan base informed that the encounter took place at Tiklibam area of Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Asom.

The encounter, which began at about 0730 hours hours, lasted for three hours. Reinforcements were sent from the Dinjan base at 0930 hours, the sources added.

The slain militants, including two women cadres, were members of the 'C' company of the ULFA's 28th battalion, the main strike force of the outfit.

The Army has termed it their ''biggest success'' since the peace talks with the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had failed after three rounds of discussions last year.

Army sources said the militants had been identified as 'sergeant major' Jagaran Doley, 'corporals' Rituparno Dabedar, Lily Moran and Jayanta, and 'privates' Prafulla Hazarika, Pranab Rajkhowa, Papu alias Himadri Gohain and Binondo Sering.

The sources stated that the ULFA does not have a camp in the area and the militants were moving in a group when the encounter took place. All the eight members of the group were killed.

Two AK 47 rifles and a pistol were recovered from them.

Combing operations were on in the area, the sources said.

UNI