Kakopathar (Assam), February 12: The Army today paid a compensation of rupees one lakh to the wife of Ajit Mahanta, whose death in army custody recently triggered violent protests in the area leading to nine deaths in police firing.

GoC 4 Corps Lt Gen Arbind Sharma visited Mahanta's house and handed over a cheque of rupees one lakh, Rs 5000 in cash and assured her of another rupees one lakh.

The General also assured her that the Army would give her a job, take care of the education of their two children and build their house.

Mahanta was picked up from Tirak village in Kakopathar area in Tinsukia district by the army last Sunday on suspicion of being an ULFA linkman.

His body was recovered from a gunny bag in Assam Medical College Dibrugarh the next day.

The army had earlier said Mahanta died when he was trying to escape from their custody.

Gen Sharma, accompained by DGP Deepok Dutta, also visited Kakopathar area where the situation, though under control, was described as "tense" by official sources.

Villagers from nearly 100 villagers in Kakopathar area had risen in anger on Friday to protest against Mahanta's killing.

To control the mob, the police resorted to firing, killing eight of the protestors and injuring several others.

A CRPF personnel was stoned to death by the mob.

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