OREANDA-NEWS. The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today made a statement in both Houses of the Parliament on Kokrajhar militant attack on August 05, 2016.

Following is the English rendition of the statement:

“There was a militant attack at a crowded weekly market at Balajan Tiniali in Kokrajhar district of Assam. According to information available, around 11.30 in the morning militants, reportedly in army­like fatigue set on fire 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 including 8 Bodos, 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. The state police and the security forces reacted swiftly to the attack and neutralised one militant whose identity is yet to be established.

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 recoveries of those injured.”