Top political leader assassinated in Asom

Kokrajhar, May 2 (UNI) A senior leader of the Bodoland People's Progressive Party (BPPF) (Hagrama faction) was killed by suspected Cobra militants last night at Kokrajhar in lower Asom.

Police said Badan Hasda, an adivasi leader and a top brass of the BPPF(H), was brutally murdered when returning from a marriage party near Janagaon under Kachugaon police station in Kokrajhar district.

A group consisting of 10-15 Adivashi Cobra Military of Asom (ACMA) militants intercepted Hasda's vehicle, attacked him with lethal weapons and then fired four rounds of bullets at him from point blank range. Hasda succumbed on the spot.

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

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

With 12 seats to its name, BPPF(H) is a major partner in the ruling Congress-led state government.

Significantly, the ACMA is currently under ceasefire.

While tension ran high in the Kokrajhar 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