3 HNLC ultras killed in encounter

SHILLONG, Feb 19— A high action Bollywood thriller was enacted in the State capital today as an unit of the Special Operations Team (SOT) of the Meghalaya Police gunned down three suspected Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) ultras in a dramatic chase and encounter. Today’s incident comes close on the heels of the encounter on February 17 at Smit, on the city’s outskirts when three HNLC militants were killed following a chase. SP, East Khasi Hills, Smt Ida Nongrang told newsmen giving the official version of the incident today that the SOT unit was lying in wait after they received a tip that some militants will be coming to a businessman at Laitumkhrah to extort money. The trader had already been served a demand note on HNLC letter-head to cough up Rs 10 lakh. Shortly after noon, a black Maruti car with tinted glasses arrived at the businessman’s place. The suspected ultras, however, spotted the police vehicle and immediately sped off towards Ghora Line, with the police in a hot chase. The official said the high speed chase ended in a mishap at MES, near Spread Eagle Falls in the city when the Maruti car skidded into a ditch. An encounter ensued when suddenly the petrol tank of the Maruti car exploded and a blazing fire engulfed the car. A patch of dry grass also caught fire and within moments spread to the police vehicle. Bodies of three militants inside the car was charred beyond recognition.