HPC(D) Militant Killed in Gunfight With Assam Police in Dima Hasao’s Jinam Valley

Guwahati, December 2: A militant belonging to the Hill People’s Convention (Democratic) - HPC(D) - was killed late Monday night in an exchange of fire with Assam Police Command Battalion personnel in the remote Jinam Valley of Dima Hasao district.

The deceased, identified as Modi Hmar alias Memo, hailed from Boro Arkap village in the Jinam Valley area, authorities confirmed.

According to Dima Hasao Police, the encounter unfolded around 11 pm in Chillei village under the jurisdiction of Mahur Police Station. Reports indicate that an HPC(D) group had earlier intercepted a civilian vehicle, threatened the driver, and fired shots into the air. Hearing the gunfire, a patrol team from a nearby Assam Police Command Battalion camp moved towards the location.

As security personnel approached, the militants allegedly opened fire on the team, prompting an immediate retaliatory response. In the ensuing gunfight, Modi Hmar was fatally shot. No police personnel were injured in the incident.

The body has been shifted to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for postmortem examination.

Following the encounter, additional forces were deployed to the area, and a large-scale search operation is underway to determine whether other militants were involved and to assess the group's movements in the region.

Officials noted that although Jinam Valley falls under Mahur Police Station, the area is accessible only through Harinagar in Silchar, illustrating the region’s difficult terrain and logistical challenges for security operations.

The incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations involving the HPC(D), a faction known for operating in the hill districts of Assam and adjoining regions. Security agencies continue to maintain heightened vigilance in Dima Hasao amid concerns over militant activity.