In a surprising twist to the sensational gunning down of five people at Sadiya Saikhowaghat in Tinsukia district of Assam on Thursday, the United Liberation Front of Asom – Independent (ULFA-I) has denied its involvement in the incident.
Also read: Assam: 12-hour Tinsukia district bandh today to protest Dhola killings
A press statement issued on Friday stated, ‘We, the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) would like to make it clear to all concern authorties that that our organization does not have involvement in the firing incident that occurred on 1st November, 2018 at Sadiya Saikhowaghat in Tinsukia district.’
Also read: Assam: Suspected ULFA (I) militants kill five people in Tinsukia
The statement has been signed by Romel Asom, member of the publicitiy department of the proscribed militant outfit.
Earlier it was believed that it was the handiwork of the ULFA-I that left five people dead in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district on Thursday evening.
The incident had taken place at around 8.55 pm at Kherbari village, around six km from Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya bridge) under Dhola Police Station in Tinsukia district.
“Four motorcycle-borne gunmen came to Kherbari village and indiscriminately opened fire on the people who were playing ludo in a dhaba at the village under Dhola police station,” Tinsukia Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Prakash Sonowal said. According to locals the armed militants came in Army fatigue and started firing at the people.
Meanwhile, a 12-hour Tinsukia district bandh has been called by the Tinsukia district Samiti of All Assam Bengali Youth Students’ Federation on November 2 to protest against the shedding of innocent blood. The students’ body has sought the cooperation of the people to make the bandh a success.
