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ULFA ambushes Assam minister, 4 killed

Suspected members of the United Liberation Front of Asom today ambushed Assam Revenue Minister Zoiinath Sarma's convoy, killing four persons, including a policeman, and injuring six at Dholpur in Darrang district.

Official sources in Guwahati said Sarma was on his way to address an election meeting when the incident occurred. Sarma's security guards returned the fire, but the casualties on the ULFA side were not immediately known. The minister was unhurt.

This was the second major attack on a political leader in the state, and the first on a state minister. Earlier, Pannalal Oswal, Bharatiya Janata Party candidate in Dhubri, was kidnapped and killed by the terrorists.

The ruling Asom Gana Parishad condemned the attack on Sarma, calling it an act of cowardice. The party's publicity secretary, Moidul Islam Bora, expressed sympathy for the bereaved family.

Official sources said the injured were shifted to hospital. Senior police and civil officials rushed to the spot. A search was launched for the attackers.

UNI

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