News of terror attack in Kokrajhar extremely worrying: Rahul Gandhi

Following the deadly attack on civilians by militants in Kokrajhar, Assam in which almost 13 people have been killed, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Friday asserted that this development was extremely worrying, adding that his prayers were with the victims' kin.

"News of the terror attack in Kokrajhar, Assam extremely worrying. My thoughts& prayers are with the families of the victims," the Office of Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal announced an ex gratia of Rs.5 lakhs to next of kin of people who died in the attack, adding that extreme action will be taken against the extremists involved in the attack.

"We condemn the attack and the sorry state of affairs. Our government is committed to protect the people of Assam and I have directed senior officials to rush to the spot. Our Prime Minister and Home Minister have also discussed matter with me a few minutes back. They expressed their condolences," Sonowal told the media.

Speaking to ANI, Assam Finance Minister said that Hemant Bishwa Sharma, who is on his way to Kokrajhar said that the Assam Police, CRPF and the Paramilitary Forces are combing the area on the lookout for the remaining terrorists, adding that the Army is on standby and will be called in if necessary.

"Four to five militants came in a tempo and indiscriminately opened fire on all the civilians who were in the market. The militants were from the NDFB(S) group. Around 13 people have been killed, one terrorist has been neutralised and 20 people have been injured," Sharma said.

Hitting out at the NDFB (S), he said that the terrorist organisation was known for killing civilians in isolated areas, adding that the complete neutralisation of the group would be a huge relief for the state.

As per reports, an AK-47 has been recovered from the terrorist who was killed after an intense gun battle that lasted about 20 minutes.

The gunbattle ensued when the armed extremists opened fired at a market around 12 kms from Kokhrajar.

This sudden incident of firing on people at a public place in broad daylight is first of its kind in the militancy-ravaged state.