Market gun attack kills 13 in India’s northeast

By Abdul Gani

GUWAHATI, India (AA) – At least 13 people were killed on Friday when National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) separatists opened fire in a busy market in India’s northeastern Assam state, the army has said.

Lieutenant Colonel Suneet Newton said two militants from the Songbijit NDFB faction travelling in an auto-rickshaw opened fire indiscriminately in Balajan Tinali near Kokrajhar town, killing 13 civilians in the market and injuring 18 others. Several children were among those hurt.

One militant was killed at the scene in a shootout with security forces.

The incident took place mid-morning when people were gathered in the weekly market. Eyewitnesses said the militants were dressed like security personnel.

Jim Basumatary, an eyewitness, told Anadolu Agency: “I saw a guy dressed in dark clothes who passed by me and I took him to be a member of the security forces. And just after that I heard gunshots but I could not see him as I hid under a bench in my makeshift tea stall.”

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned the incident and said that his government will adopt strict measures:

“We express deep grief and condolences to the families of the deceased. We strongly condemn this act of terror and our government is committed to tackle this with a strong hand,” Sonowal told reporters.

The state government has announced around $7,500 in compensation for the families of those killed in the militant attack.