UTLA claims hand in Ranjan’ s killing

Imphal, July 12: The militant outfit United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) General Headquarters’ ‘Arms Wing’ on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the killing of one Ranjan Das at Jiribam’ s Chotto Bekara on July 10. A press statement issued by UTLA HQ (Arms Wing) publicity and information secretary Amos@T ribal (Operation Command) claimed that Ranjan Das was killed by the outfit for being an informer of Assam Rifles. Ranjan Das, 45, son of Mohan Das was shot dead at his Chotto Bekera Ward No.2 residence around 7 pm of July 10. The statement said the incident did not intend to hurt any community or religion in the area. Ranjan Das, a couple of years ago, was warned many times before he was awarded death penalty by the outfit, it said, adding that he was repeatedly told not to interfere in “our struggle” to protect tribal people and their sovereignty across the Northeast India. According to the statement, it was a matter of great concern that Ranjan Das was working against UTLA to earn a small amount of money by providing information to the security forces.