Hardcore NDFB(S) militant killed in encounter

A hardcore NDFB(S) militant, wanted in connection with several crimes, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Sonitpur district of Assam today.
Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team of the Army and police launched a joint operation in Batasipur of the district during which a militant lobbed a grenade at the security forces in a bid to escape and an encounter followed in which the militant was killed, a defence spokesman said.
The militant was identified as Sonitpur 'Platoon Commander' Khamkhang who was being considered by the NDFB(S) hierarchy for appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the group to rejuvenate the outfit, sources said.

He was involved in several cases of kidnapping for ransom, extortion and killings and was alleged to be the key figure involved in the killings of Adivasi villagers last December.
A pistol and live ammunition were recovered from the slain militant.