English
August 5: At least 14 civilians were killed in a grenade blast in the busy Baljaan market in Korkrajhar district of Assam. Several people were also injured. At least one extremist was also killed in an encounter with security personnel. The encounter is still underway. Extremists also opened fire on civilians on the vegetable market, said reports. Security forces responded by engaging the extremists in a gun battle, which is still going on. It was not immediately clear, what organisation the extremists owe their allegiance to.
Assam Chief Minister Sarabananda Sonowal spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the subject of the encounter. At least four extremists are firing on the security forces from a hideout in the market, while the forces have neutralised one militant. This comes just days after the Director General of Police had expressed his concerns over the possibility of such an attack in the state. There had been suspicions of militant activities before the Independence Day on 15th August this year. A Bodo outfit had issued threats of such an attack to the National Investigative Agency (NIA). ALSO READ: Jammu and Kashmir: 1 dead, 4 injured after militant attack on police station in Kulgam
According to a report in Punjab Kesari, militants clad in black fatigues started firing on civilians indiscriminately on Friday afternoon. 14 people were killed on the spot, after which security personnel rushed to the spot, to engage the militants. At least 30 people have been reportedly injured in the incident. The militants came to the market in an auto rickshaw. Till now, one AK-47 has been recovered, while other terrorists are being pursued.
#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
The Home Ministry is in touch with the Assam Government & is monitoring the situation closely. @HMOIndia
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over the terror attack in Kokrajhar, condemning the incident in unequivocal manner.
We discussed the security scenario in Assam (with NSA): Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal on Kokrajhar attack
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 5, 2016
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal mets National Ssecuity Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday in the aftermath of the attack that took place at Balajan, near Kokrajhar town. The CM discussed security issues with Doval.
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday that ‘foreign agents’ may have been involved in the attack, contrary to popular speculation which suggests that the attack was lead by the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).
Our Govt is committed to protection of people of Assam, have directed senior officials to rush to the spot: Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal (ANI)
“We condemn the attack, sorry state of affairs.
“Our Govt is committed to protection of people of Assam, have directed senior officials to rush to the spot.
“Our PM & HM have also discussed matter with me a few minutes back. They expressed their condolences.
“Ex gratia of Rs.5 lakhs will be given to next of kin of people who died, Rs.1 lakhs for the injured”.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on India.com.
