Silchar: A dreaded drug dealer allegedly linked to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) was shot dead during a counter-operation carried out by Cachar Police near the Assam-Manipur border late on Thursday night.

According to police sources, the operation was launched in the dense forest and hilly areas of Bomapuji under Jirighat Police Station in Lakhipur constituency following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of armed drug traffickers in the region.

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.

During the late-night operation, the police team reportedly came under attack, leading to an exchange of fire. In the retaliatory action, Sailen Dongal was killed on the spot, officials said.

Police sources further claimed that Dongal had links with the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and was actively involved in cross-border drug trafficking activities along the Assam-Manipur border areas.

Security forces have intensified search operations in the surrounding forest region to trace other suspected associates who may have escaped under the cover of darkness. Further investigation into the case is underway.