Assam: Firing breaks out between security forces, ULFA-I in Tinsukia; one suspected ULFA linkman injured

An encounter broke out between security forces and suspected ULFA-I militants in Upper Dihing area in Tinsukia district on December 21, in which one suspected ULFA-I linkman identified as Amit Mukhiar (29) was injured.

The incident took place at around 4 am on December 21, when the suspected ULFA-I linkman was caught in the crossfire and was shot in the leg.

Yesterday, on December 20 night, based on source information, four persons from Pengeree PS area were apprehended by security forces and Police on the suspicion that they had given food and shelter to group of ULFA(I) cadres on the night of 19th Dec 2022.  

Accordingly they were thoroughly questioned and they confessed that they had arranged food for 7 ULFA-I cadres sheltering inside Upper Dehing Reserve Forest area. Immediately one of the apprehended person namely Amit Mukhiar S/o Lt Suresh Mukhiar R/o Garha line Khatangpani was taken to the said forest area around 4:00 am today morning to locate the place where they had cooked food for the ULFA-I Cadres.

As per Tinsukia SP Abhijit Gurav, at around 4:50 am some unknown insurgents fired at Police team led by SDPO Margherita. Police team retaliated in the direction of fire. Around 15-20 rounds were fired by Police team. After few minutes, the firing was stopped and it was found that suspected ULFA OGW (linkman) Amit Mukhiar was hit by a stray bullet. He was immediately taken to Digboi FRU and from there he was referred to Tinsukia Civil Hospital. Suspected group of ULFA-I cadres ran away from the PO taking advantage of thick foliage and darkness.

Some incriminating objects were recovered during search which includes 1 back pack,  3 PEK tube, detonators, 2 grenades and cordex. Nearby OCs and security forces were alerted about presence of the ULFA cadres in the area. Further search of the area is going on.