At least 13 civilians were killed and 15 others were injured after three terrorists opened fire at a weekely market at Balajan Tinali in Assam’s Kokrajhar. Security forces in the area gunned down one of the militants after intense gun battle which lasted about 20 minutes. An AK-47 has been recovered from the terrorist.

Additional forces rushed to the spot, even security forces pursued other militants. Apart from firing on the market, the militants also threw a grenade that ravaged three shops.

Police suspect the connection of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland. Police have recovered grenade and other weapons from the site.

The injured have been moved to nearby hospitals. Police and Army forces have cordoned off the area as they launched operations to look for terrorists hiding in nearby buildings.

This unexpected incident of firing on people at a public place in wide daylight is first of its kind in the terrorism-ravaged state. The shoot-out took place when the state was in a state of high alert in view of the upcoming Independence Day.

No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

An ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs will be given to next of family of people who have died, and Rs 1 lakh for the injured in the attack, CM Sonowal said.