Rebel killed as Army mount offensive in Arunachal

Guwahati, Aug 17 (UNI) At least one rebel was killed today in an encounter with the Army, who have launched a major offensive on the outlawed ULFA inside the Manabum reserve forest in Arunachal Pradesh.

Official sources said here that the ultra, killed in the early hours, was identified as Sanjib Moran, a ''sergeant'' of the outfit's ''28th battalion.'' Army sources said three to four rebels, who opened fire on the military personnel, however, managed to escape.

A pistol, two magazines, radio set, six live rounds, 12 bore guns, solar charger and some incriminating documents were recovered from the camp.

The Army operation came two days after Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal warned that the government would not tolerate any violence, triggered by the militant outfits.

'' I assure you, we will not tolerate violence. We will finish militancy, he said, adopting a tough posture.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had also instructed the Army, police and paramilitary forces to go all out against the militants, especially the ULFA.

The ULFA and KLNLF were believed to be behind the recent carnage in Karbi Anglong, which saw the killing of 29 Hindi-speaking people.

UNI