NIA's most wanted militant killed in Assam encounter

Defence spokesman based in Guwahati said that army and police had jointly launched an operation at a remote area in the BTAD district in presence of the most wanted militant.

“The Security Forces had received specific information about the presence of a hardcore NDFB (S) commander and immediately launched into action. When the search party reached the suspected area, the terrorist opened fire. The terrorist sustained injury in the firefight and was immediately evacuated to JSB Civil Hospital in Kajalgaon, Chirang, where the doctor declared him brought dead,” a defence official said.

The slain militant was identified as Jaola Basumatary, Commander of NDFB (S), resident of village Deigudung in Chirang.

“He was part of the notable hierarchy of the group. He was involved in the December 2014 Kokrajhar carnage, where Adivasis were killed in cold blood by the NDFB(S). The NIA had registered three cases against him, in this regard and was on the lookout for him,” the official said.

A pistol, which the terrorist used to fire at the security personnel, was recovered along with some ammunition.

“Jaola is being seen as a major setback to the already flagging morale of NDFB(S) and will further assist in establishment of lasting peace in the region providing long awaited succor to the innocent people of the Area,” the official said.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)