Assam terror attack: Sonowal announces ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs for victims' kin

New Delhi, Aug 5 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal on Friday announced ex gratia amount to the families of the deceased and to the injured who were attacked by militants, who opened fire at a market near Kokrajhar. At least 13 civilians have been killed and more than 20 have sustained injuries after militant outfits belonging to National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) fired indiscriminately. Speaking to ANI, Sonowal condemning the incident said that the state government has announced Rs. five lakh to the deceased families and Rs. one lakh to the injured. He said that stern action would be taken against the militants. "Our government is committed to the protection of people of Assam and that is why we have immediately directed the Director General of Police and other senior police officials to rush to the spot," he said. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh have been apprised of the matter. One of the attackers has reportedly been gunned down. Meanwhile, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told ANI that Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Police and Paramilitary forces are conducting a joint combing operation to neutralise remaining militants. He said that the Army has been kept at standby and will be called if necessary. 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. (ANI)