ULFA-I's Drishti Rajkhowa & group escape after firefight with Meghalaya police

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TURA:

A firefight between the United Axom Liberation Army – Independent (ULFA – I) and police personnel from South Garo Hills (SGH) in Meghalaya, took place in the early morning today, Oct 20 leading to the militants fleeing the scene after jumping over a deep ravine.

Interestingly, the elusive Drishti Rajkhowa, the head of ULFA (I), was also present during the encounter but managed to escape along with the rest of his group.

The incident, as per reports, took place at about 9:30 am in the village of Bolchugre under Rongara Police Station in SGH.

The fight between the militants and the police took place after information was received by the district police on the presence of militants near the village of Bolchugre, after which a team comprising SF – 10 personal and armed police were sent to the spot.

When the police team approached the militants, they were seen by the militants who started firing on the police party, officials said.

The police retaliated and after a brief firefight, the militants fled the scene and escaped.

“There were no injuries to policemen or civilians during the encounter. We believe quite a few of the militants sustained injuries due to the way they escaped. A search operation is currently on,” said Superintendent of Police (SP), SGH, Priyangshu Pandey.

The SP added that the locals, as well as police personnel, detected at least five militants with Dristhi also being part of the group.

“They are mostly based in Bangladesh but come to India sometimes. A search is currently on for them,” the SP added.