Kokrajhar (Assam), 25 October (HS): A Maoist militant accused in the recent IED explosion on a railway track in Kokrajhar district was killed in an encounter early Saturday morning at Nadangguri under Salakati Police Outpost.

Confirming the incident, Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police Pushpraj Singh said the slain militant has been identified as Ukil Hembram, who was allegedly involved in the October 23 IED blast on the railway line near Salakati. Police teams are currently examining the encounter site.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier announced that the identity of the person involved in the IED blast had been established and security forces had been conducting continuous operations to apprehend him.

The explosion had severely damaged the railway track near Kokrajhar, falling under the Alipurduar Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway. The blast occurred around 1 am when a goods train was passing between Azara Sugar Salakati and Kokrajhar stations. The train manager reported a strong jolt, prompting the train to stop. Upon inspection, it was found that an IED blast had damaged the track and sleepers.

Railway Police, state police, and intelligence officials immediately launched an investigation. Rail traffic resumed at 5:25 am after the track was repaired, though about eight trains were delayed, and patrolling in the section was intensified.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash