MAJOR KILLED IN NAGALAND ENCOUNTER

In an encounter with heavily armed militants, the Army on Wednesday gunned down at least three hardcore rebels of United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) at Tijit near Lappa in Mon district of Nagaland. In the encounter, a Major of Territorial Army and an autorickshaw driver were also killed.

Security forces also recovered three AK-47 rifles and its ammunitions from the slain militants.

In an encounter with heavily armed militants, Army on Wednesday gunned down at least three hardcore rebels of United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) at Tijit near Lappa in Mon district of Nagaland.

In the encounter a Major of the Territorial Army and a civilian who is an auto driver were also killed.

Informing that three heavily armed Ulfa (I) rebels were intercepted by a joint team of Assam Rifle and Territorial Army on Tuesday night, security sources said that militants who were travelling in an auto opened fire on Army personnel which was retaliated.

Security sources said three soldiers of the 12 Para Commandos were injured in the gunbattle.

The slain Ulfa (I) rebels have been identified as Akoni Baishya, Phanindra Asom and Dicom Asom. The Ulfa (I) rebels were travelling to Sibasagar district in Assam from Myanmar

Security sources said that Army has launched massive search operations in the area as some of the associates of those killed are suspected to have escaped.