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Assam terror attack: NIA launches massive combing operation in Kokrajhar

News Agencies | Updated on: 6 August 2016, 15:56 IST

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched a massive combing operation in Kokrajhar, Assam, to nab the militants of Bodo separatist outfit NDFB(S) suspected to be involved in the terror attack in the region that left 14 people dead on 5 August.

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who visited the attack site, told reporters that the militant who was neutralised on Friday has been identified as Manjay Islari.

"He is a self-styled area commander of 16th battalion of NDFB(S) faction. We will give the body to his parents," he said. He said that combing operation in the area has been intensified to nab those who fled after carrying out the attack on Balajan Tiniali Market, about 12 kms from Kokrajhar, just days before Independence Day. Replying to a question, Sarma said that the militants were not part of any suicide squad. "If they were part of a suicide squad they would not have fled."

An NIA team has reached the spot and was speaking to eyewitnesses, officials said. Combing operation by police, para-military, and army is also on in neighbouring Chirang district to nab the militants. Defence sources said specialised troops, tracker dogs and other equipment have been pressed into service. The army was also carrying out extensive area domination operations in the district to ensure swift actions, they said.

The situation was described as tense but under control by police. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the seriously injured at Gauhati Medical College Hospital and inquired about their condition. He spoke to doctors there on providing them advance medical treatment, government sources in Guwahati said. Kokrajhar deputy commissioner held a high-level security meeting with police, army, and paramilitary forces to review the situation ahead of Independence Day, administration sources said.

-PTI

First published: 6 August 2016, 15:56 IST