The Assam government has ordered an inquiry into the September 18 Kokrajhar encounter, which led to the killing of two suspected United Liberation of Bodoland (ULB) militants. 

Divisional Commissioner of Lower Assam Jayant Narlikar has been directed by the government to carry out the inquiry and ascertain the circumstances that led to the encounter. 

Jayant Narlikar has been directed to submit the report of his findings within 15 days. 

“He (Narlikar) will ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of two suspected ULB militants in the encounter with police forces and submit an inquiry report within 15 days,” a notification issued by the secretary, state home and political department said. 

The killing of the two suspected ULB rebels in Kokrajhar on September 18 has sparked major protests in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). 

A 12-hour bandh was called by pressure groups in BTR on Monday in protest against the gunning down of the two suspected ULB cadres in the encounter. 

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Meanwhile, BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary has urged Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to initiate a CBI inquiry into the incident. 

“An appeal to the Hon’ble CM of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma for the interest of peace and tranquillity of the Bodoland region to initiate a high-level probe through CBI over the recent encounter incident taken place between the Kokrajhar Police and allegedly 2 ULB cadres,” Hagrama Mohilary said. 

He also appealed the ULB “to refrain from any violent activities for preventing any loss of life and public property”. 

“…for a peaceful and cohesive environment, I also appeal to the ULB Leadership to restrain from any retaliatory activities or implanting bombs for killing of innocent lives which might further escalate the situation in Bodoland region,” Mohilary added.