Police Shoot Suspected ULFA-I Member in Assam: Pranjal Das Injured in Baihata Chariali Incident

Guwahati, 25 December, 23: In a tense encounter in the Salmara area at Baihata Chariali in Assam's Kamrup Rural district, a young man suspected to be associated with the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) was shot and injured by the police on Sunday night. The injured individual, identified as Pranjal Das, suffered a leg injury, rendering him immobile.

The circumstances leading to the escalation of the situation and the rationale behind the police resorting to gunfire remain unclear. Following the incident, Pranjal Das was swiftly taken to a local hospital for immediate medical attention. The incident echoes a similar event in Assam's Tinsukia district, where three youths, identified as Biswanath Buragohain, Manoj Buragohain, and Nabin Neog, were injured after the police allegedly opened fire on them, suspecting their association with ULFA-I. The trio initially received treatment at Tinsukia Civil Hospital before being transferred to Assam Medical College and Hospital for advanced care.

These incidents unfold against the backdrop of a recent social media post by Assam's Director General of Police, GP Singh, who sternly warned that individuals expressing willingness to join or support any government-banned terrorist group would face arrest and prosecution. The DGP's cautionary message extended to the public, urging vigilance in their social media posts related to banned organizations.

As the injured individuals undergo medical treatment, questions surrounding the circumstances leading to the use of force by the police raise concerns. The broader context of heightened vigilance against activities associated with banned groups adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding events. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts surrounding these incidents and to ensure transparency in addressing the concerns raised by these encounters.