assam chief minister sonowal
assam chief minister sonowalIANS

17:54 IST — "Saddened by the attack in Kokrajhar. We strongly condemn it. Thoughts & prayers with the bereaved families and those injured," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

16: 55 IST — The Army has launched a massive combing operation and pressed into service specialised troops, tracker dogs and other specialised equipment for the missing terrorists. 

16: 51 IST — Army and paramilitary forces have launched a massive operation to nab the terrorists, said Subhash Bhamre (MoS Defence). Assam Chief Minister Sonowal who was in Delhi is heading back to Assam. 

"We discussed the security scenario of Assam, prime minsiter and home minister also discussed the matter and extended condolences. Ajit Doval and I discussed the security scenario in Assam," Sonowal said. 

16: 49 IST — Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who was operated on recently for a shoulder injury during the Uttar Pradesh election rally, condemned the Kokrajhar attack on Friday, and offered her condolence to the family of 13 victims.  

16:47 IST — No terror group has claimed responsibility...There were seven to eight terrorists who launched the attack, said Subhash Bhamre (MoS Defence). 

16: 09 IST — Meeting between Assam chief minister and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is underway. 

15: 54 IST — Army on Friday confirmed that the militant group NDFB (S) was behind the Kokrajhar market attack that killed at least 13 people, News18 reported. 

15: 42 IST — As many as 13 bodies were recovered by the police in Kokrajhar. Combing operations are underway for militants who are believed to be hiding in closeby buildings. 

15:28 IST — Assam CM Sonowal announced Rs. 5 lakh ex gratia for next of kin of those who died and Rs. 1 lakh for injured people. 

"Our PM and HM have also discussed matter with me a few minutes back. They expressed their condolences...Our government is committed to protection of people of Assam, have directed senior officials to rush to the spot," Sonowal said. 

This is the first terrorist attack in Assam since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power. 

15:21 IST — Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemened the attack on Kokrajhar market on Friday. He assured that strict action those involved will be taken. State minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will visit the spot of attack. 

Police and Army are on the trail of three terrorists who fled after throwing grenades. A total of six terrorists were involved in the attack, sources told News18. 

The NIA Guwahati team is on its way to Kokrajhar, Assam. 

15:15 IST — The militants had come in an auto and opened fire. Most of the civilians who died were Bodo, which makes it unlikely to be a NDFB (S) attack. No group has claimed responsiblity for it yet. 

The police also said that the death toll may increase. Injured have been taken to the hospital. 

15:12 IST — At least 13 people were killed and 18 were injured on Friday near Kokrajhar after militants opened fire on a market. One militant was shot down by security forces. Combing operations were underway.

15:06 IST — At least 12 people were killed and 15 injured at Kokrajhar in Assam on Friday after militants opened fire. Security personnel are exchanging fire with militants at Balajan market in the town. One militant has been killed in the encounter. National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) is suspected to be behind the attack, DGP Assam told reporters. 

At least three terrorists opened fire in Balajan, Tenali market area, which is 8 km from Kokrajhar (Assam). The Army responded quickly. An operation to neutralise the militants is under way. The militants were reportedly in Army fatigues, Times Now reported. 

The area has been cordoned off and security personnel are exchanging gunfire with militants. One AK-47 has been recovered from the spot. 

The ministry of home affairs is closely monitoring the situation, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said after speaking to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Sonowal reportedly also spoke to Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi about the situation. 

This is very unfortunate, we will assure that victims are taken care of," Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State of Home Affairs, said about the attack. "We will ask for more details of the attack from the state Govt and then decide what action needs to be taken," he added. 

The Assam Police had arrested four NDFB(S) militants with arms and ammunition on Monday night. They were identified as Monelal Brahma alias Naga, 35, Amit Khaklari alias Takla, 28, Shambu Basumatari, 28 and Rajib Narjari alias Goldum, 27. Two 7.62 pistols and ammunition, one .325 revolver and bullets, an AK-type gun, two grenades and cash were recovered during the operation, the Times of India reported.

However, top leaders of the militant group, including chief G Bidai and his deputy K Batha, have not been apprehended. 

They (Bidai and Batha) have possibly shifted to the Bhutan side of the terrain. Incessant rainfall is creating problems in conducting operation. The two are on the run and shifting their hideouts from time to time. They have run out of their vital resources," a source in Assam Police had told the TOI.