Assam Terror Attack: Suspected NDFB (S) Militants Kill 14 in Kokrajhar Market

Guwahati: At least 14 people were feared killed and several injured when suspected National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) militants fired at people in a busy market place in Kokrajhar district of Assam.

Sources said the heavily-armed militants came in an auto-rickshaw to the Balajan Tiniali market around 11.30 am and opened fire when security forces were conducting massive anti-militant operation in the area.

The militants also lobbed grenades and started firing indiscriminately at the security forces and the public.

The dead include civilians, security personnel and the militants.

Kiren Rijiju (MoS) Home Affairs said, this is very unfortunate, we will assure that victims are taken care of.

So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

DGP of Assam Mukesh Sahay said that he was not in a position to confirm the total number of casualties but a massive operation has been launched to neutralise all of them.

Speaking to News18 he said, "We don't know who is behind it. The modus operandi indicates that it could be NDFB (S). Our men on the hot pursuit of militants".

"He also said that three-four militants are still in the area and security forces have cordoned it off," he added.

Balajan market is a busy shopping area of Kokrajhar and there were hundreds of people during the attack.

The intelligence agencies had earlier warned about possibility of a Jihadi attack in Assam.

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal has briefed Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on the situation in Kokrajhar over telephone.

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.

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," Sarma added.

Bodoland territorial council chief Hagrama Mohillary has said that 12 persons are on the list of those killed.

The Centre is rushing paramilitary forces to Kokrajhar to help Assam administration to tackle the situation.

The local army units have already been sent to the area.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh too tweeted that he spoke to Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and he apprised him of the situation in Kokrajhar.

He added that his ministry is closely monitoring the situation.