Five ULFA rebels gunned down, explosives recovered in Assam

Guwahati, Oct 26 (UNI) Five ULFA militants were killed in a fierce Army encounter in Assam's Nalbari district late last night, and a cache of explosives was also recovered from them, Army sources said today.

A joint Army and police team, based on specific information, raided a school building on the outskirts of Mahinagaon, two kms west of Doomdooma town, at about 2130 hours, Army spokesperson Col Kalia informed.

Five militants of ULFA's '709th battalion' were holed up in the school and in the ensuing gun battle, all were killed. Three bodies were recovered from inside the school building, while two were found a couple of yards from the building, Col Kalia added.

One two kg IED, one kg RDX, one kg urea, detonators, fuse, wires and other materials needed to assemble IEDs, four pistols, two grenades, one radio set, seven magazine, 29 rounds and two bags containing clothing were also recovered.

One of the slain militant has been identified as 'corporal' Sanjeev Sarania, while the others are yet to be identified.

The '709th battalion', active in lower Assam, is the only active force of the ULFA with substantial striking power after two companies - 'Alpha' and 'Charlie' - of the outfit's most potent '28th battalion' came out for a truce.

A third company of the '28th battalion' - 'Bravo' - is yet to join the ceasefire group, though the company is maintaining a low profile with most of its cadres and leaders showing an active interest in joining the peace process.

The '709th battalion' is also reported to have sent feelers to the security forces and government for entering into ceasefire, with its commander Hira Sarania still at large.

UNI SG DPM RD GL BST1348