Meghalaya DSP killed in encounter with HNLC ultras

Shillong, Nov 7: Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raymond P Diengdoh and a Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) militant were today killed in a fierce exchange of fire at Ri-Bhoi district in Meghalaya.

Eastern Range Deputy Inspector General of Police D K Rapthap told teh sources over phone that two hardcore HNLC cadres were arrested from the site of encounter, while two others managed to flee.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of police personnel, led by the DSP, were conducting a combing operation in the Paham Umdoh forest.

Subsequently, the militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, fired on the police team, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.

''The militants fired indiscriminately, despite several warnings to surrender,'' Mr Rapthap said, adding that in the ensuing encounter, the DSP and an unidentified cadre were killed.

The incident came close after five HNLC militants were gunned down in an encounter in the heart of the city last week.

Meanwhile, police launched a massive combing operation in the area to arrest the other ultras who managed to flee. UNI