Banned outfit ULFA (Independent) claimed responsibility for the attack on colonial security forces of 9th Rajputana Regiment on Saturday. The ULFA (I), in a statement signed by Lt Joy Asom of its Publicity Department, claimed that the attacks were carried out by the outfit.

However, a senior Army officialsaid, "There was no encounter between ULFA (I) and Army. The encounter tookplace between NSCN cadres and Army. It's a publicity stunt of ULFA(I) becausethey try to become the media headlines."

ULFA-I also claimed that morethan four soldiers of Rajputana regiment were injured during the attack whereasno casualty from ULFA-I.

According to reports, theincident took place when the suspected militants sighted the security forces ata distance and resorted to unwarranted firing to make way for a safe escape inthe thick bushes.