Black Widow strikes again: Cong leader among four killed

A strong Congress candidate along with three others were shot dead by the outlawed anti-talk faction of the Dima Halam Daoga (DHD), more popularly known as ‘Black Widow,’ on Saturday. The incident occurred at around 1.50 pm when Darbeikham Hmar, the Congress candidate, was shot dead from a close range at Retzol, about 16 kms south of Haflong, the district headquarters.

Two of Hmar’s PSOs, both Assam Police personnel, and his driver John were also killed. The two PSOs have been identified as constable Kumud Boro of the 2 Assam Police Task Force and constable Langthin Hmar of the 5 Assam Police Battalion.

The Black Widow militants have stepped up their activities after the state Government announced fresh dates for the NC Hill Autonomous Council elections. It was following the gunning down of NC Hill Autonomous Council chief executive member (CEM) Purnendu Langthasa on June 8 by the Black Widow militants that election to the council was put off for six months. But the state Government decided to go ahead with the polls recently.