Nalbari blast suspect killed in encounter with security forces

An ULFA militant, suspected to have been the key person behind the Nalbari twin blasts which claimed seven lives, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Assam's Chirang district today, police said.

The militant was killed in an encounter that lasted for about an hour when he opened fire in a bid to escape the security forces, who had launched an operation in Bishnupur village of the district to nab the ultra following a tip off, they said.

The ultra was identified as 'second lieutenant' Pranoy Roy of ULFA's 709 battalion and he is suspected to be the key person behind the November 22 attack, police said. The entire area has been cordoned off and massive search is on there, they added.

The state is on high alert with security beefed up following the blasts and intelligence reports that the banned outfit was planning to carry out more attacks in the run up to its 'Martyrs' Day' on November 27.