Assam killings: Combing ops underway, ULFA(I) claims innocence

Assam police Friday launched a "massive combing operation" to nab those involved in the killing of five people, including three members of a family, in Tinsukia district.

Police suspect the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were dressed in battle fatigue, but the outfit has denied its involvement in the attack.

A group of assailants had called out six people at Kheronibari village three from their home and as many from a local shop around 8pm on Thursday.

They then took them to the edge of Dhola-Sadiya bridge in the area and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five of them on spot.

One of them fell off the bridge and survived the firing.

Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia and Additional DGP Mukesh rushed to Tinsukia, shortly after the incident, to review the law and order situation.

Talking to media in Guwahati, Saikia said, "A massive combing operation has been launched to nab the accused. No one involved in the incident will be allowed to escape. Since last night (Thursday), we have started several operations to nab the culprits."
Asked about the involvement of ULFA factions in the killings, he said, "It isn't about taking random names. We will take action as per law."
Publicity Department member of the ULFA(I) Romel Asom, in a statement e-mailed to PTI here, said, "The ULFA (I) would like to make it clear to all authorities concerned that our organisation does not have any involvement in the firing incident last night."