8 KLPF Cadres Arrested, Camp Busted
In the continuing counter insurgency operation against active militant outfits in Karbi Anglong, security forces busted a camp of lesser known insurgent group KLPF (Karbi Land Protection Force). In the operation carried out by 8 JAT regiment of Indian army and Assam Police in the forest area of East Karbi Anglong, several cadres of the outfit were arrested and an assortment of arms and ammunition was seized.
According to police, the operation was led by the Sub Divisional Bokajan Police Officer assisted by Officer In Charge of Dillai, Khatkhati, Bokajan police stations and 8 JAT regiment of Indian army. Based on specific information received, the combined force hit the camp located in Jalingso, within the general area of Gandhipur late one night, when the forces zeroed in on the target, militants present inside the camp opened fierce fire in a bid to draw back from the ring of the security forces under cover of darkness. In retaliation, the forces fired back with equal ferocity at the KLPF hideout.
Cadres present in the camp admitted defeat to the security force without stretching the fight out any further, after their initial resistance. As reported by Hemanta Kumar Nath yesterday, those arrested include Andres Teron, Biru Teron, John Teron, Babu Teron, Rakesh Ingti ( Sergent) and Rupsing Kro. The security forces also arrested two linkmen of the outfit Biren Ingti and Mohon Teron.
Recovered arms and ammunition consists of one 9mm pistol and 3 live bullets, two .22 pistols and 12 live bullets, six grenades shells used in an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, 8 AK series ammunition, seven cell phones, 30 SIM cards and mixed electronic goods, camp materials and one battery.
The KLPF militant group became notorious after the murder of a lady employee of the Irrigation department a year back, in the office premises of Additional Chief Engineer of Irrigation Karbi Anglong, in Diphu town last year. After the incident, a number of founder members of the outfit were arrested by Manja police from a model village near Lungnit locality. In that operation, a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered by Manja police. It was assumed that the outfit had disbanded, but the incident in the past week has proven otherwise. Police suspect that some key members of KLPF are still on the run and may attempt to renew the crumbling group.
