Rajnath Singh expresses deep anguish over Assam killings

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reacted over killings of five people in Assam and expressed deep anguish over the incident.

Singh said that the strongest possible action will be taken against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Singh also spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and took stock of the situation.

"Deeply anguished by civilian casualties in an attack in Upper Assam region. It is a reprehensible act of mindless violence. Spoke to Assam CM Shri @sarbanandsonwal regarding the incident and asked him to take strict possible action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime," he said.

At least five people were killed after suspected ULFA (Independent) gunmen opened fire with sophisticated weapons came to a village near Dhola-Sadiya bridge and called out five-six persons from their house around 8 pm, they said.

They then opened indiscriminate fire upon those people before fleeing under the cover of darkness, a police officer said.

Police suspect the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were in battle fatigue.

Three members of a family were among five persons shot dead.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned "the killing of innocent people" and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families.

"Strong action will be taken against the perpetrators of this dastardly violence. We will not tolerate such cowardly act," he told PTI.

Sonowal said he has directed state ministers Keshav Mahanta and Tapan Gogoi along with DGP Kuladhar Saikia to rush to the spot.

"We will not spare the culprits of the killings and will be brought to book," he said.

The chief minister appealed to the people of Assam to maintain peace and harmony.

He also directed all deputy commissioners and SPs to remain alert.