Pengeree ambush: Massive hunt for militants continues in Tinsukia

our Correspondent

DIGBOI, Nov 26: Security forces belonging to various wings of Indian Army have been

covering the entire vulnerable pockets of Tinsukia district to b the culprits involved in the ULFA ambush on November 19 on Pengaree-Digboi road.

Security agencies, including the paramilitary forces, have been striving hard since November 19 to trace the militants and avenge the act adequately without compromising with the forces of ture acting as impediment in the chilly and foggy winter.

Tinsukia Superintendent of Police, MJ Mahanta reiterated that common people had not been harassed or troubled in any way by the security forces engaged in the operation. “I walk not less than 20-30 km a day from rural habitat zone to deep impregble reserve forest without any untoward and unpleasant conflict heard or seen,” said Mahanta, adding that the news of common people being harassed by the security forces in the me of search operation, was just the strategy of the miscreants to distract the forces. “We ensure that the objective is realized without jeopardizing the existing peace and sustain zero loss of human resources on any side, including the civilians,”  he added. When asked about the unexpected delay caused in realizing the end, a well-placed official engaged in the militant hunt operation in Lakhipather area in Digboi belt said on Saturday evening that the thick and extensive vegetation cover was a blessing for the hiding militants, particularly the Manipuri outfits who are articulate and adaptable in the jungle. However, interrupted operation continues  across the vulnerable hideouts of the district including, Bhimpather, Kherjan, Dhekiajan, Mulukgaon, Haldibari and Tamoli Bongaon, Lakhipather and Talpather that are inter-linked and  have porous route with Pengaree-Digboi Reserve Forest where the ambush had taken place. The neighbouring locations of militants in Changlang district of Aruchal Pradesh are also under surveillance.