Top Bodo leader assassinated in Asom

Kokrajhar, May 2: Suspected Cobra militants killed a senior Bodoland People's Progressive Party (BPPF) (Hagrama faction) leader last night in this district of lower Asom, police today said.

Badan Hasda, a tribal leader and a member of the top brass of the BPPF(H), was brutally murdered when he was returning from a marriage party near Janagaon.

A group of 10-15 Adivasi Cobra Military of Asom (ACMA) militants intercepted Hasda's vehicle and attacked him with sharp-edged weapons and then fired four rounds at him from point blank range.

Hasda died on the spot.

Hasda's family, who were also traveling with him, were left unharmed.

Hasda was an executive member of the former interim Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), and was close to BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary.

With 12 members in the Assembly, BPPF(H) is a major partner in the ruling Congress-led coalition in the northeastern state.

Tension ran high in the district following the killing.

Kachugaon police have picked up four suspected militants of the outfit. The motive of the murder is yet to be ascertained.

UNI