Silchar: A dreaded drug dealer with alleged links to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) was killed during a counter-operation carried out by Cachar Police near the Assam-Manipur border late Thursday night.

The operation was conducted in the dense forest and hilly terrain of Bomapuji under Jirighat Police Station in Lakhipur constituency following specific intelligence inputs from security agencies.

The deceased has been identified as Sailen Dongal, a resident of Manipur. Police said he was allegedly involved in the May 5 firing incident at Diglang during an anti-drug operation in which police constable Sharif Hussain Qazi sustained bullet injuries.

Addressing the media, Cachar Superintendent of Police Sanjib Kumar Saikia said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed to track down those involved in the Diglang attack. During the late-night operation, police teams located Sailen Dongal and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the earlier firing incident.

According to the SSP, while police were attempting to apprehend him, Dongal allegedly tried to escape and opened fire on the security personnel. During the exchange of fire, Assam Police Commando Battalion personnel Nabajit Tati sustained injuries. However, SSP Saikia said the commando narrowly escaped serious harm as he was wearing a bulletproof vest.

Police retaliated in self-defense, during which Sailen Dongal sustained bullet injuries. He was immediately taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), where doctors later declared him dead.

SSP Saikia further stated that Sailen Dongal was an active cadre of the United Kuki National Army and had recently entered the border area, allegedly using the region as a hideout for drug-related activities.

Police also confirmed that several other associates linked to the drug racket are currently absconding. Search operations are continuing in the border areas, and investigation into the network remains underway.