A fierce encounter took place between security forces and militants in Dima Hasao district of Assam on Tuesday. Three suspected militants of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) were killed in this encounter. According to officials, these militants had come to Assam from Nagaland and are accused of trying to extort money from the National Highway Authority (NHAI). According to the information, these people were demanding money by threatening the agency associated with the construction of the Golden Quadrilateral project.
Search operation lasted for 60 hours and then there was a face-off
After receiving secret information, Assam Rifles and the special unit of the state police started a joint search operation in the forests of Dima Hasao from Saturday evening itself. The operation lasted for about 60 hours and on Tuesday, the security forces surrounded the militants in the area between N Kubin and Herakilo of Haflong police station area. A senior police officer said that as soon as the presence of the militants was confirmed, our team surrounded them from all sides. In response, the militants started firing, which started the encounter. This encounter lasted for about three to four hours.
Three militants killed in the encounter and heavy weapons recovered
In this encounter, three militants were killed on the spot in the action of the security forces. Two AK-47 rifles, a pistol and a large amount of ammunition have been recovered from the spot. Police and Assam Rifles teams are still conducting search operations in the area so that if any other militant has escaped, he can be caught. Officials say that special surveillance will be kept for a few days for the security of the area so that any kind of re-infiltration can be prevented.
A threatening letter was sent to NHAI, local people scared
In a press release issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer of Assam Police, it has been said that a faction of NSCN had sent a threatening letter to NHAI demanding money. NHAI is carrying out road construction work under the Golden Quadrilateral project in Dima Hasao district and the militants were trying to extort money from this project.
A local administration official, on the condition of anonymity, said that the local people are extremely worried about this incident. He said that Dima Hasao district is generally considered a peaceful area and the people here do not want any kind of violence or unrest. The coming of Nagaland militants here and trying to extort money is a danger signal for the area. The administration has appealed to the local people to maintain patience and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.
