NDFB(S) platoon commander killed in encounter in Kokrajhar

An NDFB(S) platoon commander, allegedly involved in the recent attack by the outfit on Adivasis, was killed in an encounter in Assam's Kokrajhar district on Saturday, police said.

The police and the SSB launched a joint operation in Serfanguri area and the militant was killed in the ensuing encounter near Khousibazar, IGP (BTAD) LR Bishnoi told PTI.

The militant has been identified as Jailing alias Jagat Basumatary and carried a reward of Rs five lakh on his head for his alleged 'direct involvement' in the December 23 killing of adivasis in Pakhriguri area of the district, he said. The security forces recovered an AK-56 rifle, two grenades and 22 live ammunitions.

Seven NDFB(S) militants, Kokrajhar platoon 'second-in-command' Mithinga and Khuren along with their four associates were arrested from Serfanguri in Kokrajhar district since Thursday night for their alleged direct involvement in the killings.

Altogether, 31 persons were killed in three simultaneous attacks in Kokrajhar district in the December 23 attacks while in Sonitpur, 50 others were killed taking the death toll to 81.