ULFA (I) rebels
DGP Kuladhar Saikia visits Kujupathar village in Bordumsa on Saturday. Credit: UB Photos

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) to take steps for arresting the culprits involved in the killing of Bordumsa police station officer-in-charge Bhasakar Kalita at the earliest.

Kalita was killed in an encounter with suspected ULFA (I) rebels on Friday at Kujupathar village under Bordumsa police station in Tinsukia district.

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Chief Minister Sonowal directed DGP Kuladhar Saikia to travel to the sight of the incident for taking firsthand account and take steps for arresting the culprits at the earliest. The chief minister also directed the police to intensify operations against the militants in the state.

The chief minister, in a statement, said that such incidents disturb the peace, harmony and unity in the society and seriously hamper the environment of developmental activities.

Asserting that all extremists and anti-social elements engaged in such heinous crimes would be severely punished, the Chief Minister said the state government would not tolerate any incidents affecting the peace and harmony in the society.

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While expressing grief over the death of police officer Kalita, Sonowal in his condolence message said that Kalita has shown a bright example of dedication towards one’s duty.

His courage and sacrifice would inspire all security personnel to fight against terrorism with renewed vigour and force, he said. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family in this difficult time, Sonowal prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of late Bhaskar Kalita.

On the other hand, the chief minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the slain police officer while assuring that the family, in his absence, would be able to draw full salary till the time of his retirement.