Mangaldoi, Mar 27: A heavy exchange of fire was reported between the Army and a group of ULFA and NDFB ultras at the Ghopakona area of Darrang district today, though there were no casualties. According to official sources, the ultras had come down from the Bhutan hills and the encounter took place for more than an hour. On March 25 last more than 100 ULFA and NDFB ultras along with some women cadres had entered the area from neighbouring Bhutan in the district. According to army sources, the heavily armed ultras came to the area last night after travelling about 11 kms on foot from their Bhutan camps to purchase essentials from the market. The ultras for the first time were seen carrying sophisticated weapons as rocket launchers, universal machine guns and AK-56 rifles and all of them were wearing traditional Assamese costumes.
After the shopping, the ultras were returning to Bhutan, but were intercepted by Army personnel camping nearby, who were informed about the militants' presence by the village defence party. Bureau Report