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.
