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12 killed in militant attack in Meghalaya

With less than 36 hours to go for the general strike across the north-east to begin, unidentified gunmen mowed down at least 12 traders in a remote hamlet of Meghalaya early on Tuesday morning, reports reaching Guwahati said.

According to police sources, a truckload of petty traders were proceeding towards a market when the militants stopped the vehicle at Raksham Giri (under Phulbari Police station in West Garo Hills district) and fired indiscriminately killing twelve persons on the spot. The injured were shifted to Tikrikilla for medical aid.

The truck was coming from Dudhnoi in neighbouring Assam's Goalpara district, sources said.

The incident occurred at around 0800 hours IST, they said.

The identity of the assailants is yet to be ascertained.

"The victims belonged to a cross-section of society - Bodos, Bengalis, Biharis and others," said Meghalaya Director General of Police L Sailo.

Security forces have launched a massive manhunt to nab the culprits.

Meanwhile, eighteen militant groups have called for a 36-hour strike across the seven northeastern states as a mark of protest against the Independence Day celebrations on Thursday.

Security forces are out in full strength all over the region with the army keeping an aerial vigil at several strategic locations using helicopters.

More reports on Meghalaya

More reports on Assam

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