One militant killed; houses torched in Assam's NC Hills

An NDFB (National Democratic Front of Bodoland) militant was killed in an encounter with the army today while the houses of some Dimasa tribals were set ablaze in separate incidents in Assam, official sources said.

A three-member group of the ultras exchanged fire with soldiers of the 5 Rajputana Rifles in Panjuri area of Karbi Anglong district. One of the militants was killed while the other two managed to flee, a source said.

An Italian-made 7.65mm pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the slain extremist.

Meanwhile, miscreants set ablaze houses of Dimasa tribe at Sabujoy bustee (village) in central Assam's strife-hit North Cachar Hills district early this morning, official sources said. The number of houses torched and casualties, if any, were not immediately known as the police was still on their way to the remote village when reports last came in, a source said.