Wednesday, January 26 2005 11:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: At least eight persons were feared killed in firing by the Army in lower Assam's Kamrup district early this morning (Jan 26, 2005), police sources said in Guwahati today.

The IGP (Special Branch), K Sarma, said that confirmed reports about the death toll were yet to be received as the incident occurred at interior Gaonpurapalm.

The exact cause of the firing was also not immediately known, though initial reports said that the people might have been fired upon by the troops who mistook them for militants during a search operation, Sarma said.

The sources also said that a mob of about 5000 people encircled some Army jawans at the interior riverine village in the Hajo police station area after which the Armymen fired.

The district Superintendent of police and other senior police officials have rushed to the site and investigations are on.