In a horrific incident, at least 12 civilians have been killed and about 15 injured after militants opened fire in a crowded market place near Kokrajhar district of Assam on Friday.
1 militant has been killed so far as encounter with security forces is underway, reports ANI.
One of the militants also threw a grenade, reports NDTV.
#SpotVisuals Extremists open fire at civilians near Assam’s Kokrajhar, 1 extremist killed. Encounter underway. pic.twitter.com/QYxYRRwqO5
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 5, 2016
Mukesh Sahay, DGP Assam, told India Today that “there were definitely three to four attackers”.
Police are suspecting the involvement of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) terrorists in the attack, reports ANI.
#Assam: Firing at #Kokrajhar market, several feared killed pic.twitter.com/KzLjmyQyfc
— EconomicTimes (@EconomicTimes) August 5, 2016
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him on the ongoing situation while Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted out informing that the ministry is “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) August 5, 2016
MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju termed it an “unfortunate” incident and assured that all those affected by the attack will be taken care of.
This is very unfortunate, we will assure that victims are taken care of: Kiren Rijiju on Kokrajhar attack pic.twitter.com/9u3Avmh3JQ
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 5, 2016
ANI also reports that Additional security forces have been rushed to the spot.
More details awaited.
(Feature image source: ANI)