Ultras ambush Tripura police escort patrol

AGARTALA, Jan 19 — The All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) militants ambushed the police party escorting Industries Minister Pabitra Kar, Opposition leader in the Tripura ADC Radhacharan Debbarma and CPM MLA Monaranjan Debbarma. The incident took place at around 2 pm yesterday at Sateradhanpara in West Tripura District. No one was, however, hurt in the ensuing encounter. According to police sources, the Minister, ADC Opposition leader and MLA with some civil officers had gone to the area for a development meeting. While they were returning, the police escort personnel were waylaid by the militants. The VIPs except Monaranjan Debbarma, had already crossed the line of fire. The cops immediately returned the fire and held the militants engaged. In the meantime, special task force and CRPF personnel rushed to the spot and joined the policemen. The militants on the face of heavy retaliation, fled. Later, a search operation was launched to nab the militants.