Twelve civilians and a militant were killed while several others injured on Friday when a group of heavily armed militants opened fire in a crowded market place in Assam’s Kokrajhar district.
Police said the group of militants came in a car and swooped down on Balajan Tiniali market on Friday afternoon. They opened fire and killed 12.
An Army Area Domination Patrol which was in the vicinity cordoned off the area and killed one militant. A hunt is on for others. According to Army sources at laest 18 people have been injured, many of them critically, in the attack.
Though the identity of the militants is yet to be established, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) faction is believed to be behind the attack.
Police have so far recovered 13 bodies and search operations are continuing in the area as the militants are suspected to be hiding in nearby buildings. Firing was still on when last reports came in. A brigade commander has reached the area to monitor situation, the reports suggest.
The injured are being shifted to nearby hospitals.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condemned the killings and directed the authorities to provide medical aid to the injured.
He also directed Finance, Education and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to rush to the spot and review the situation.
Mr. Sarma said, “Two of the extremists have been neutralised and police is looking out for another six but at this stage these are my specific assessments as I am yet to talk to the SP.
“I think details are still coming in so we have to wait for some time to find out the confirmed number of killings and the number of extremists neutralised by security forces. Bodoland territorial council chief Hagrama Mohillary has said that 12 persons are on the list of those killed. This is his version,” the Minister said.
Assam Police chief Mukesh Sahay told IANS that one of the attackers was killed by the security forces. He suspected the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) for the attack.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the central government was closely monitoring the situation.
Spoke to Assam CM Shri >@sarbanandsonwal who apprised me of the situation in Kokrajhar. MHA is closely monitoring the situation.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) >5 August 2016
Saddened by the attack in Kokrajhar. We strongly condemn it. Thoughts & prayers with the bereaved families & those injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >5 August 2016
The Home Ministry is in touch with the Assam Government & is monitoring the situation closely. >@HMOIndia
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >5 August 2016
(With PTI, IANS inputs)
