Rajnath expresses deep anguish over Assam killings

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Thursday expressed deep anguish over the killings of five people in Assam's Tinsukia district, saying strongest possible action will be taken against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Singh also spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and took stock of the situation.

"Deeply anguished by civilian casualties in an attack in Upper Assam region. It is a reprehensible act of mindless violence. Spoke to Assam CM Shri @sarbanandsonwal regarding the incident and asked him to take strict possible action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime," he said.

Three members of a family were among five persons shot dead by suspected ULFA (Independent) gunmen while two others were injured at Kheroni in Assam's Tinsukia district Thursday night, police said.

A group of assailants with sophisticated weapons came to this village near Dhola-Sadiya bridge and called out five-six persons from their house around 8 pm, they said.

They then opened indiscriminate fire upon those people before fleeing under the cover of darkness, a police officer said.

Police suspect the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were in battle fatigue.