Combing operation launched against ULFA after explosion

Shillong, Oct 6 (UNI) The security forces have launched a combing operation against the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) militants following yesterday's IED explosion in remote Belguri village, bordering Assam and Meghalaya.

The crackdown against the ULFA militants was jointly launched by the Meghalaya police with Army in dense jungle areas of Belguri to flush out the militants holed up there.

''The combing operation is on full-swing to flush them out,'' West Garo Hills District Superintendent of Police JFK Marak told UNI here over phone.

He, however, said the police were yet to make any breakthrough.

Following the IED blast, Mr Marak said all police stations and out-posts in Garo Hills were directed to keep strict vigil.

Garo Hills borders Assam and neighbouring Bangladesh. The ULFA uses this corridor to sneak in and out of the country due to its strategic location.

Yesterday, ULFA militants exploded an IED on the roadside in Belguri village in Assam's Goalpara district, bordering Tikrikilla village in West Garo Hills district.

Mr Marak said the IEDs were planted to target the Sikh regiment that has been engaged in combing operations in that area for quite sometime.There were no casualties.

However, one of the IED which remained intact was later diffused by Army personnel.

UNI RRK ADG AE DS1450