Rebel dead, two arrested in twin encounters

Guwahati, Apr 13 (UNI) An ULFA militant was killed, another arrested and three linkmen held in separate incidents in upper Asom since last night.

Army sources said an ULFA cadre, identified as 'corporal' Putul Gogoi, was killed while another, Ajit Patro, was apprehended by troops of the 11 Kumaon Regiment at Betonigaon under Pengree police station along the Asom-Arunachal border in Tinsukia district this evening. A 9 mm pistol, empty cartridges and incriminating documents were seized from the possession of the militants.

In another incident, heavy exchange of fire took place between troops of the 7/11 Gorkha Regiment and a group of about six ULFA rebels at Lejai under Borbarua police station in Dibrugarh district this evening. Although the rebels managed to escape, the Army apprehended a linkman, Badan Munda, from the village. He was handed over to the police.

Yesterday, two ULFA linkmen were apprehended by the Army in Tinsukia.

Meanwhile, the security forces have mounted vigil, along the inter-state boundary, with the Arunachal Pradesh to check movements of militants during the Rongali Bihu, the spring festival in the state, which starts tomorrow.

UNI