Diphu July 29: Assam police operating from Samalangso police station in northern Karbi Anglong and 2nd Dogra regiment of Indian Army worked on a joint counter insurgency operation against Karbi militant outfit KPLT (Karbi Peoples Liberation Tiger).

Three suspected ultras were gunned down in a brief encounter during the early hours today in Samalangso Bey Gaon village. Police reported the incident, but at the time of filing this report, the deceased had not been identified.

According to the police, this operation was launched based on specific information received about KPLT cadres inside the village. Accordingly, police and army launched the operation.

Security forces said they retrieved one AK 47 assault rifle and two 9mm pistols along with extra magazines and assorted ammunition with the recovered arms.

According to a senior police officer, the carry-over of subservice activities by KPLT after being trounced repeatedly by security forces is a matter of concern for the security forces engaged in action against the ultras. It indicates a negative attitude of a faction of KPLT that is reluctant to stop fighting.

KPLT Commander Surrendered Last Week

The self-styled Commander in Chief of KPLT ( Karbi People Liberation Tiger) Swaran Killing and his deputy Pangri Timung surrendered to Karbi Anglong police on July 15. The commander and his deputy claimed that with their surrendering, the core group of the dreaded militant outfit will soon come over ground.

Swaran Killing, after the ceremonial lying down of arms told the local media that all of the armed cadres under his command will come over ground. He said that he, on behalf of the outfit henceforth disband the Karbi People Liberation Tiger, paving the way for lasting peace in the hills of Assam.

KPLT Cadres May Not Surrender

Whatever may be the reason for continuing counter insurgency operations against KPLT by security forces, the last of the KPLT cadres are on the receiving end of military pressure. It seems that KPLT has a remote chance for returning to the mainstream now.