Assam DGP Confirms Militant Background of One Killed in Cachar Encounter

Guwahati, July 20, 2024 — Assam Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh has verified that Lalbikung Hmar, one of the militants killed in a recent encounter in Cachar district on July 17, had a documented history of terrorist activities.

DGP Singh confirmed that Lalbikung Hmar, son of Lal Thavel Hmar, was previously arrested on June 4, 2019, at Lakhipur Police Station in Cachar. Hmar was found with arms and ammunition and was registered under Case No. 152/19 by Assam Rifles, with FIR details and photographs supporting this. Additionally, he faced another arrest in Case No. 116/19 at the same police station.

This disclosure follows calls for a thorough investigation by the families of the deceased militants—Lallungawi Hmar, Lalbikung Hmar, and Joshua Lalrinsang—who have claimed that the deceased were law-abiding citizens and have demanded justice.

In a formal complaint to the Lakhipur Police Station, the families outlined the events of July 17, which included a special operation conducted by Assam Police around Bhuban Hills. According to the Cachar Superintendent of Police (SP), three militants equipped with Kevlar vests and helmets were engaged in a firefight with police. The militants were injured during the clash and later died at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH).

The incident has sparked a debate, with authorities affirming the militant background of the deceased while the families seek an impartial investigation to clarify the situation.