Centre asks Assam govt to nab culprits of Kokrajhar attack

New Delhi, Aug 8: In the wake of killing of 14 people by militants in Kokrajhar, the Centre has urged the Assam government to hunt down those involved in the attack and bring them to justice.

Making a suo motu statement in Lok Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he has already taken up the matter with the state government.

"I have taken up with the Assam government and the security forces in the state to track down the militants involved in this attack, so that they are brought to justice for this crime against humanity," he said during Zero Hour.

Giving details of the August 5 incident, the Minister said there was a militant attack at a crowded weekly market at Balajan Tiniali in Kokrajhar district of Assam.

Quoting available information, he said around 11.30 AM, the militants, reportedly wearing army­like fatigues, set ablaze some houses and shops which led to a cylinder blast and fire in the area.

This was followed by indiscriminate firing on the crowd of shoppers by the militants. "14 innocent persons -- 8 Bodo men, one woman, one child and four others lost their lives in the attack.

19 persons were seriously injured who are under treatment in various hospitals of the district and the state capital," he said.

Singh said the state police and security forces reacted swiftly and neutralised one militant whose identity is yet to be established. From the slain militant one AK 56 rifle, two magazines of live ammunition and one grenade were recovered.

"The exact number of militants and the militant group involved in the attack is being investigated," the Home Minister said, adding the state government has made satisfactory arrangements for the treatment of those injured in the attack.

Ex­gratia relief of Rs 5 Lakh has been provided to the next of kin of those killed, Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured and Rs 20,000 to those with simple injuries.

A criminal case has been registered at Kokrajhar Police Station to investigate the militant attack. "I condemn this dastardly attack on innocent persons who lost their lives and on behalf of this August House, convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray to the almighty to give them strength in this difficult moment.

"On behalf of all the members, I also pray for the early and full recovery of those injured," Singh said.

The issue was also raised in the Rajya Sabha by Congress member Santiuse Kujur saying that in December 2014, the Centre had launched an 'Operation All Out' to eliminate NDFB(S) militants. However, the operation was later withdrawn. The Congress member asked the Centre to re-launch the operation.

PTI