Two more cadres killed, reports of ULFA seeking ceasefire

Guwahati, June 18 (UNI) Two more ULFA ultras were killed in an encounter with the Army, taking the total number of militants eliminated in recent weeks to 22 so far, amidst reports of a section of the proscribed outfit seeking ceasefire with the government.

Army sources said here today that in the latest encounter, two ULFA militants were killed by troops of the 11 Sikh Light Infantry at Bandar Khati near Namsai nearing the Arunachal Pradesh boundary late last night.

The sources also informed that one pistol, one revolver and 10 kgs of IEDs were recovered from the possession of the slain ultras.

Since December 2007, the security forces have eliminated 63 ULFA militants in Upper Assam and apprehended 43 of them, while 80 others surrendered so far.

Meanwhile, according to an unconfirmed report, a section of the ULFA, led by its most potent wings - the 28th battalion and 709th battalion - had expressed desire to come to a ceasefire. ULFA sources confirmed the development but the state government did not officially confirm it so far.

However, human rights groups and peace activists alleged that most of the ULFA cadres killed were innocent youths.

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