One killed, nine hurt in Assam insurgent attack

Jorhat/Bokakhat (Assam), Aug.13 (ANI): Insurgents attacked civilians on Saturday in the Bokakhat district of Assam.

A gun battle ensued between the police and the militants. One person was killed and nine were injured in the encounter.

The incident took place two days before country celebrates 64th Independence Day, challenging the security scenario in the state, which has been mired in simmering Assam-for over two decades.

Witnesses claimed the militants opened fire on the civilians early this morning, injuring the car drivers.

"I was coming from Guwahati city (state capital) and was about to reach Bokakhat district, when our car was attacked. I was driving the car and a bullet hit my leg," said a victim Abidur Rehman.

The gunmen, allegedly belonged to the Karbi People's Liberation Tiger (KPLT) Group and randomly fired upon the vehicles plying near Behora Tea Estate, near Bokakhat, Golaghat district for nearly 40 minutes.

"One of my friends called up the police. A gunfight began between the militants and the police. Behind us, the driver of a truck was shot during the encounter and died on the spot," said a witness Prasanta Saikia.

The injured commuters have been admitted to the Golaghat Civil Hospital and Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.

Authorities have launched a massive manhunt in Golaghat and Karbi Anglong district areas, and have so far apprehended 11 suspected KPLT militants. (ANI)