Three Karbi People's Liberation Tiger militants killed in encounter

GUWAHATI: At least three Karbi People's Liberation Tiger (KPLT) militants, including an 'operational commander', were killed today in an encounter and a training camp of the outfit was busted in Karbi Anglong district by a joint team of Army and Assam police.

"In a major breakthrough, the Army today busted a large training camp and killed three hardcore militants belonging to KPLT in a fierce gun battle near Duni Tokbi Gaon in Karbi Anglong district during a joint operation with the Assam Police," an Army spokesperson said in a statement.

Army troops of the Red Horn Division had launched the operation on a specific information about the presence of militants in the area, he added.

"The militants who were hiding opened fire on the search parties and tried to flee. However, the security forces plugged the escape routes and engaged the militants," the spokesperson said.

Security forces busted a well concealed and stocked hideout and also recovered a "massive' cache of arms, ammunition and "warlike stores", including one AK series rifle, two pistols, six bags and a number of documents, he added.

The spokesperson said the slain militants included an operational commander of KPLT, who was also the 'sergeant major' of the unified command of KPLT and United Peoples Liberation Front, he said.

"The successful operation is a severe setback to the militants and their designs to carry out subversive activities, especially in Karbi Anglong district," the Army spokesperson added.