At Least 14 Killed in Assam Terror Attack

NEW DELHI:
At least 14 people were killed and several injured in an encounter between security forces and suspected NDFB (S) militants at busy market place in Kokrajhar district of Assam.
The dead include civilians, security personnel and the militants. Sources said the gunfight started at 11.30 am at the busy Balazan market when security forces were conducting massive anti-militant operation in the area.
The militants lobbed grenades and started firing indiscriminately at the security forces and the public.
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.
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. Balazan market is a busy shopping area of Kokhrajar 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.
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. Rajnath Singh 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.