Militants held in Dhubri

Dhubri, Feb. 22: Five activists belonging to newly floated United Achik Volunteer Army, including its area commandant, were apprehended from Phuljhari area of Kokrajhar district by the 19 Madras Regiment based in Dhubri and Bongaigaon districts this morning.

A source in the army in Panbari camp said the five activists were identified as Khulum Marak of Bandarmuri village of Kokrajhar district, Raju Marak of Puthimari village under Krishnai police station of Goalpara district, J.K Marak of Fasthirbari village under Bogribari police station of Kokrajhar district and Swmkkwr Brahma and Dimwl Brahma from Rangamati village under Bogribari police of Kokrajhar district.

One China-made pistol, one 9mm foreign-made pistol with nine rounds of live ammunition, one .303 rifle with three rounds of ammunition, one magazine and six crude bombs were seized from them, the source said.

"Besides these, four iron plates used in making magazines, six barrels of AK-series rifles, two complete magazines, one bridge block, three triggers and three cocking handles were also recovered," the source added.

A senior army officer said this newly floated militant group is originally based in Garo hills of Meghalaya. But now, the outfit is trying to spread its wings and create a base in areas with Garo population.

"They are playing second fiddle to the other militant organisations, including the GNLA, which of late has become very active in Garo hills in Meghalaya and is now trying to penetrate into the lower Assam districts," he added.

Two suspected GNLA activists were killed in an encounter with the army and police at Medhipara under Lakhipur police station of Goalpara district on February 19.

The two, who were top rank hardcore GNLA militants, have been identified as Pramil Marak, son of Kokul Sangma and Sengsrang Marak, son of Rabindro Marak. Both were from Resubelpara under Dalru police station in West Garo Hills.

The army recovered two US-made pistols of 9mm and 7.65mm bore with five rounds of live ammunition, mobile handsets and a motorbike from them, a police source said.